Description
Description:
Enjoy tender, tangy, and slightly sweet orange chicken straight from your slow cooker! This easy recipe combines chicken with an orange-infused sauce, ideal over rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in a light dusting of cornstarch. Optional: Lightly brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to lock in juices.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cook: Place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and gently mix. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Thicken Sauce: In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over rice or steamed veggies, and top with green onions and sesame seeds as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker is optional but recommended.
- Try serving with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.