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Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken

Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken for Effortless Weeknight Meals

This Irresistible Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe elevates weeknight dinners with its effortless prep and delightful flavors, perfect for busy families.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Essential for optimal texture.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with canola or vegetable oil.
  • 1 cup Orange Marmalade One 16 oz jar is ideal.
  • 1/4 cup Reduced-Sodium Soy Sauce Coconut aminos can be used for gluten-free.
  • 2 tablespoons White Vinegar Rice vinegar can also work.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil Can be omitted for sesame-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Fresh ginger can be used for brighter flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) Garlic powder is a great substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Omit for a milder sauce.
For the Finish
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds Optional but highly recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Scallions Can substitute with chopped green onions.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • 6-quart Slow Cooker
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders into 1-inch pieces. Coat each piece with cornstarch and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, browning for about 3–4 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer the browned chicken pieces to a 6-quart slow cooker, scraping any bits stuck to the skillet into the crockpot.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat each piece.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, stirring halfway through.
  7. Once the chicken is tender, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.
  8. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the slow cooker and avoid cooking on HIGH for too long to maintain tenderness.

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