Slow Cooker Orange Chicken 5 Powerful Tips To Impress Guests

Introduction of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

If you are craving the irresistible flavor of restaurant-style orange chicken without leaving home, this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe will win you over instantly. Tender bites of chicken simmer gently in a fragrant sauce made from orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and warm spices. The result is a dish that tastes as rich and satisfying as your favorite takeout, yet it is made with wholesome ingredients right in your own kitchen.

As a chef, I love creating recipes that give you the flavor you want with the convenience you need. The slow cooker transforms this dish into a set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece, allowing the chicken to soak up every drop of the sweet and savory sauce while staying juicy and tender. Whether you serve it over fluffy steamed rice, with stir-fried vegetables, or alongside crisp Asian-style slaw, this orange chicken delivers both comfort and elegance in every bite.

This recipe also gives you flexibility. You can prepare it for a busy weeknight when you need dinner ready with minimal effort, or you can make it ahead for a gathering where you want to impress your guests with minimal stress. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks will have everyone asking when dinner will be ready, and the vibrant flavors will make this dish a repeat favorite in your household.

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken 5 Powerful Tips To Impress Guests

Better than takeout and effortlessly elegant. Tender chicken simmers in a bright, sweet and savory orange sauce made with marmalade, soy, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and garlic. Includes chef tips for thicker sauce, perfect doneness and serving ideas guests will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian Inspired

Servings 6 servings

Calories 359 kcal

Equipment

• 6 to 7 quart Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl or Measuring Cup
• Resealable Plastic Bag
• Tongs or spatula
• Digital Thermometer

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil divided
• 1.5 to 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/3 cup cornstarch for even coating
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 to 1 tsp ground ginger to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves finely minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil remaining

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds lightly toasted
• 2 tbsp green onions thinly sliced
• orange slices optional

Instructions

 

• Prep the slow cooker: Line a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker if desired for easy cleanup. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into the bottom.
• Coat the chicken: Add chicken, cornstarch, salt and pepper to a large resealable bag. Seal and shake until evenly coated. Spread the chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker.
• Mix the sauce: In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth.
• Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring gently so all pieces are coated.
• Cook: Cover and cook on high about 2 hours or on low about 4 hours. Begin checking at 90 minutes on high or 3 hours on low. Chicken is done at 165°F and fork tender.
• Serve: Spoon chicken over rice or vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions and optional orange slices. For thicker sauce, stir a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water into the cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed. Chef tips: cool leftovers before sealing to prevent condensation. Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest at the end for brighter citrus aroma.

Keyword Better Than Takeout, Crock Pot Orange Chicken, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe -Slow Cooker Orange Chicken-

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken brings all the joy of your favorite takeout to your own kitchen with less effort and fresher ingredients. It is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.

Reasons it will become a favorite
• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
• Slow cooker convenience for a stress-free cooking experience
• Tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, flavorful orange sauce
• Perfectly balanced sweetness and tang with a touch of savory depth
• Flexible enough to serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables
• Great for feeding the family or making extra for leftovers

What makes this recipe stand out is the sauce. Using orange marmalade combined with soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic creates layers of flavor that infuse the chicken while it cooks low and slow. The result is tender meat and a sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.

You will also appreciate how adaptable it is. Whether you want a lighter, healthier option or a more indulgent version served with fried rice, you can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences. Every time you make it, the aroma alone will have your family eagerly waiting at the table.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

For the Chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ⅓ cup cornstarch, for coating the chicken evenly
• ½ teaspoon salt, or adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or adjust to taste

For the Orange Sauce
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger, according to your preference
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
• Remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Garnish
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted if desired (toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant)
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
• Orange slices, optional for added color and presentation

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. If desired, line a 6 to 7-quart slow cooker with a disposable liner for easy cleanup.
2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large, resealable plastic bag.
2. Add the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag, then shake until all the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Spread the coated chicken evenly in the slow cooker.

Chef Tip: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps the sauce cling to each bite and adds a slightly velvety texture once cooked.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl or measuring cup, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, using a spoon to ensure all pieces are coated.

Chef Tip: For a stronger ginger flavor, use the full teaspoon. If you prefer a milder taste, start with half a teaspoon and adjust next time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
2. Cook on high for about 2 hours or on low for about 4 hours.
3. Begin checking at the 90-minute mark on high or the 3-hour mark on low, as slow cookers can vary.
4. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning additional sauce over the top.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and optional orange slices.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.

Serving and Storage Tips of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Serving Suggestions
• Serve the orange chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
• For a lighter option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or mixed stir-fried vegetables.
• Garnish with thin orange slices and a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Add a side of fresh cucumber salad or Asian-style slaw to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Storage
• Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips
• Reheat refrigerated portions in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• You can also reheat gently in the microwave, covering the dish to prevent splatters and help retain moisture.

Helpful Notes of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the orange marmalade slightly and add a splash of fresh orange juice for brightness.
• Fresh garlic vs. garlic powder: Using fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a bolder aroma, while garlic powder offers convenience and a milder flavor.
• Boost the citrus flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest toward the end of cooking for a more intense orange fragrance.
• Protein swap: While chicken breasts are lean and tender, boneless skinless chicken thighs will provide a richer flavor and stay extra juicy.

Conclusion of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, slow cooking, and the right balance of flavors can create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant meal. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you free yourself from constant monitoring while still delivering tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce.

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you want a mild and comforting dinner for the whole family or a bolder, zestier version with extra ginger and spice, you can easily tailor it to your taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen, and the chicken becomes infused with the citrusy sauce, making every bite satisfying.

This dish also fits seamlessly into busy schedules. You can prepare it in the morning, let it cook while you handle your day, and return to a ready-to-serve meal that feels special without the stress. Paired with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables, it makes a complete dinner that everyone will enjoy.

If you try this recipe, I would love to hear your experience. Leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out for you. Share your own variations—maybe a fresh herb garnish or a creative side dish idea—so we can inspire each other. And do not forget to post your photos on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can discover how easy and rewarding it is to make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken at home.

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