Description

This Easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with tender, juicy chicken that has been slow-cooked to perfection. With minimal preparation and a handful of simple ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a takeout favorite right at home, with the added benefit of being customizable to suit your dietary preferences and flavor cravings.

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders cut into bite size pieces
⅓ cup cornstarch
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups orange marmalade
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 cloves garlic minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sesame seeds more for garnish
scallions for garnish

Instructions

Cut the chicken into approximately 1″ pieces.
Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish, add the chicken, and toss to evenly coat.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and add the coated chicken. Lightly brown on each side, not cooking thoroughly.
Transfer the browned chicken into the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Stir everything to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. Check and stir halfway through to make sure it isn’t burning.
Garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve over rice.

Notes

For the best results, use fresh orange juice and consider browning the chicken before slow cooking to add extra depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste, and feel free to experiment with variations like adding heat or making a vegetarian version. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it easy to create a dish that suits your personal palate.