This Crockpot orange chicken recipe is a breeze to make for dinner any night of the week, and it tastes just as good as any takeout! My homemade orange chicken sauce is made with orange juice, soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, brown sugar, and just a few other ingredients, creating a sweet, sour, and tangy flavor blast. All I have to do is dump bites of chicken and the sauce ingredients into my slow cooker, set it, and let it cook!
Making my favorite Chinese takeout dishes at home has become a must for me on Friday nights. And making classic orange chicken in my Crockpot has proven to be so easy! The chicken is juicy, the sauce is delicious, and I barely have to lift a finger. Win! Then I pair it with chicken lo mein, chicken egg rolls, and fried rice for the full takeout experience.
What’s in this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe?
Just throw some chicken, and a few simple ingredients for the orange sauce, in the Crockpot to make this easy recipe!
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Orange Juice: This adds a super fresh flavor to the orange chicken sauce. Freshly-squeezed or bottled juice both work.
- Rice Vinegar: This creates an acidic element. You can substitute Mirin or white wine vinegar.
- Soy Sauce: This adds a salty, umami flavor. Use a regular or low-sodium option.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of deep, rich sweetness.
- Minced Onion: Use a dried minced onion seasoning. This is an easier way to add a more concentrated flavor.
- Orange Zest: If you’re using bottled orange juice, feel free to skip the zest–but it adds an extra kick of brightness!
- Sriracha: This adds a nice bit of heat. Feel free to swap in other types of chili sauce or paste, or hot sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor!
- Cornstarch: This thickens up the sauce, and helps it to adhere to the chicken.
- Ginger: Use fresh-grated ginger for the best flavor.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store Crockpot orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, until fully warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze slow cooker orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Note
I add cornstarch to the orange chicken sauce from the start to help it thicken up in the Crockpot. But if your sauce still seems too thin or runny once everything is cooked, you can add more. Make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water, stir it into the sauce, and then cook the chicken for another 10-15 minutes.
Top Reader Review
“This orange chicken recipe is delicious and nutritious and it was pretty easy to make using a slow cooker. I paired it with jasmine rice and jasmine green tea, so delicious, soothing and satisfying! I will definitely make this recipe again and again.” – Mary
Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced onion
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1 small piece ginger 1-inch, grated
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the chicken.1 cup orange juice, ¼ cup rice vinegar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons minced onion, Zest of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 3 cloves garlic, 1 small piece ginger
- Pour the orange sauce into the slow cooker. Stir in the chicken.2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Close the lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours; or on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Top with chopped green onion and extra orange zest. Serve with rice.
Notes
- If the sauce is too thin and not coating the chicken well after cooking, make a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and give everything a stir. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized and similar-sized chunks so that it cooks evenly.
This orange chicken recipe is delicious and nutritious and it was pretty easy to make using a slow cooker. I paired it with jasmine rice and jasmine green tea, so delicious, soothing and satisfying! I will definitely make this recipe again and again.
I love your additions! Thanks for sharing, Mary!