Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tangy, sweet, and perfectly tender orange chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero - requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor! Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for hassle-free meals, or simply craving restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine without leaving your kitchen, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inch chunks.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined, creating a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour the prepared orange juice marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Gently stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, which will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy appearance.
- Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a desired consistency.
- Serve the orange chicken hot over steamed white rice, garnishing with optional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they remain incredibly tender and absorb flavors more effectively than breast meat.
- Marinade Magic: Whisk your marinade ingredients thoroughly to ensure a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes (1-2 inch chunks) to guarantee consistent cooking throughout.
- Thickening Technique: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for achieving that glossy, restaurant-style sauce - make sure to mix it smoothly to avoid lumps.
- Don't Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, aim for the
- 5-4 hour mark to prevent chicken from becoming dry or stringy.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed white rice and consider garnishing with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 160mg
