Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners into a culinary delight? Look no further than this Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe! Bursting with zesty flavors and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious meal that practically cooks itself! Dive into the world of effortless cooking and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger to create a smooth marinade sauce.
- Place the cubed chicken pieces into the crockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting, cooking for 4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Occasionally stir the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even distribution of sauce and prevent sticking.
- Once cooking is complete, use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Tips
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: For even cooking, make sure to cut your chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that every piece cooks through perfectly.
- Marinade Magic: Whisk the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger thoroughly to create a smooth marinade. This will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor.
- Layering in the Crockpot: Spread the cubed chicken evenly in the crockpot before pouring the orange sauce over it. This helps in achieving even coating and enhances the flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: If you can, give the chicken a gentle stir halfway through cooking. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures that every piece is well-coated in the sauce.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Thicker Sauce Option: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your orange chicken over fluffy steamed rice, and consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 286kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 93mg
