We all know the struggle: you want a homemade dinner that feels special, but by 5 p.m., you’re already running on fumes. Enter Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, the sweet, tangy, and savory dish that makes your house smell like your favorite Chinese takeout spot—without the delivery fee or questionable arrival time.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want to impress without sweating over the stove. Toss it in the slow cooker, walk away, and let the magic happen. (Bonus: you might even convince your picky eaters that mom’s “takeout” is better than the real deal!)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
- Effortless prep. A few simple steps, and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Takeout vibes. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory with that subtle crunch from the chicken.
- Family-approved. Even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist those sticky, orange-glazed bites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenders), trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Cornstarch: For coating the chicken and helping the glaze thicken.
- Oil: Vegetable, olive, or avocado oil for browning the chicken.
- Orange Marmalade: The sweet, citrusy heart of the dish.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings savory umami flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Vinegar: White vinegar works great; rice wine vinegar is also an option.
- Sesame Oil: Adds that nutty, toasty flavor we all love.
- Ground Ginger & Minced Garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle kick—adjust to your spice preference.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle inside and out for texture and presentation.
- Scallions: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild bite.
Find all ingredient quantities and nutrition information in the recipe card.
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Making this dish is easier than you think—just a handful of steps and a bit of patience while the slow cooker does its thing. Here’s the full breakdown:
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a shallow dish (or zip-top bag), add cornstarch, and toss until well-coated. The cornstarch will help the chicken brown better in the skillet and give the sauce a silky thickness later. Give the pieces a good shake to make sure every bite is lightly covered.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer—avoid crowding so each piece gets a nice golden crust. Brown each side lightly for 1–2 minutes; you’re not cooking it all the way through, just adding flavor and texture. Once browned, transfer the chicken straight into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds until smooth. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and a little nutty—exactly what makes orange chicken irresistible. Pour the glaze over the chicken in the slow cooker, then give everything a gentle stir so each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Let the Magic Happen
Cover and cook on LOW for about 3 hours. Check in halfway through to give it a stir and make sure nothing’s sticking to the sides. As it cooks, the chicken will become tender, and the glaze will thicken into that glossy coating you know and love. When it’s ready, garnish with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it over fried rice, white rice, or even noodles for a full takeout-at-home experience.
Helpful Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the browning. It adds flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth the extra pan.
- Love it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
- Make it ahead. Prep the chicken and glaze the night before, then just dump and go in the morning.
This dish became a family favorite after I whipped it up for a game night. My kids swore it was better than takeout—high praise from the chicken nugget crowd!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw your chicken first for even cooking and better texture.
What can I serve with it?
Fried rice, steamed broccoli, or even lo mein noodles make perfect sides.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Your New Favorite Dinner
Once you try this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. Sweet, sticky, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of dinner that practically cooks itself while you get on with life. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is heavenly—like a warm hug after a long day.
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s versatile. Make it for a quiet weeknight, meal prep for busy workdays, or double the batch for family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with fried rice, noodles, or simple roasted veggies, making it a total crowd-pleaser.
Pull out the chopsticks (or, let’s be real, a fork), gather everyone around the table, and watch as this dish becomes the one everyone asks for again and again—because this one’s going to be on repeat!
More Tasty Chicken Recipes to Try Next
If you loved this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, here are some other delicious ideas to keep dinner exciting:
- Switch up your slow cooker game with this creamy and comforting Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- For another sweet and savory combo, try the sticky-sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl.
- Want something with bold flavors? This flavorful Mongolian Chicken will become a fast favorite.
- For a fresh, hearty twist, serve up vibrant Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls packed with veggies and spices.
💬 Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and let me know how it turned out for you. And if you’re craving more tasty chicken inspiration, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for daily recipe ideas and kitchen tips!
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Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and better than takeout! Tender chicken bites are coated in a sticky orange glaze and cooked to perfection in your crockpot—perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenders), trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable, olive, or avocado oil
3/4 cup orange marmalade
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2–1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
2–3 scallions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Coat the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Add cornstarch and toss until evenly coated.
Brown the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer, avoiding crowding. Brown each side lightly for 1–2 minutes (don’t cook through). Transfer to slow cooker.
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Pour over chicken and stir gently to coat.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
Serve: Once chicken is tender and sauce is thickened, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
Browning the chicken first adds extra flavor and texture—don’t skip it!
For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg