Name: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1/3 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 cup orange marmalade; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1 tablespoon olive oil (remaining); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced thin); Orange slices (optional)

Description

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese-American dish with tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it combines simple ingredients like orange marmalade, soy sauce, and ginger, slow-cooked to perfection for a juicy, saucy meal. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s a delightful recipe that is both convenient and delicious.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Sauce

1 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1 tablespoon olive oil (remaining)

Garnish

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons green onions (sliced thin)
Orange slices (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Optionally, line a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker with a liner for easier cleanup. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the bottom of the liner or slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Coat the Chicken: In a large gallon-sized ziptop plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Transfer the coated chicken evenly into the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl or 2-cup measuring cup, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic (powder or minced), and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly, ensuring all chicken pieces are coated.
Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for about 2 hours or on low for about 4 hours. Begin checking for doneness at 90 minutes on high or 3 hours on low. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Serve: Once cooked, plate the chicken with as much sauce spooned over the top as desired. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and optional orange wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Using a slow cooker liner is optional but helps with easy cleanup.
Adjust the amount of ground ginger based on your taste preference or sensitivity.
Ensure chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee they are fully cooked.
Orange slices add a fresh, decorative touch but are optional.
This recipe can be doubled for larger groups if your slow cooker is large enough.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Chinese-American