Crockpot Orange Chicken

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Folks, this simple Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is goooood. It’s good as in ‘I want to eat this every night of the week’ good. Citrusy sweet, easy to make, can be whipped up in a jiffy two different ways (Instant Pot Orange Chicken or  Crockpot Orange Chicken), packed with protein… what’s not to love?

Much like my Chinese Chicken Salad (in which you can use this Orange Chicken if you’d like), this recipe is bound to become one of your favorite fakeaways.

Like these Crockpot Chicken Fajitas, by making it at home, you know exactly what is in it – no wondering if your favorite restaurant added an ingredient you wouldn’t have in your pantry.

Making it at home also means this is a 100% gluten-free recipe thanks to using gluten-free tamari soy sauce instead of regular. (Non-GF folks, feel free to use regular if you like.) It’s a keto recipe with only 6g net carbs/serving.

This easy Orange Chicken will likely make you the family hero. When everyone is tired and doesn’t want to go out to eat (even to get a takeaway meal), you can save the day by whipping this up from pantry staples, just like with this Crockpot Salsa Chicken.

You probably won’t be able to hide your ‘secret food project’ from them for long……. because the intoxicating smells of this tangy, sweet flavor Orange Chicken will give away your secret long before it’s done cooking. 

Why Make This Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

• It is a healthier Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe. Many Orange Chicken recipes require deep frying and copious amounts of orange marmalade. Yes, this gives you a very crispy chicken (which you often get when ordering takeaway), but this version is just as good without needing lots of oils. (No deep frying = an easier recipe too.)
• It can be made in three ways. I’ve provided instructions for the Instant Pot, stovetop, and slow cooker. You have no excuse not to try this easy-peasy orange chicken.
• It is gluten-free. Yeap, there is no need to worry about a restaurant sneaking in gluten. Use a gluten-free tamari soy sauce, and you are good to go.
• It is low in carbs. With only 6g net carbs per serving, low-carb and keto dieters will be happy with this recipe.
• It can be made in 30 minutes or less. If you use the Instant Pot or stovetop version, dinner will be served in a jiffy.
• Just look at it. Could a chicken recipe that looks this good be anything other than the best???

Want to make your meal prep even easier? Then check out this collection of awesome Dump and Start Crockpot Recipes for all sorts of stress-free dinner ideas.

Ingredient Notes

• Orange Juice – Use sugar-free and bit-free juice to make this a healthier orange chicken. Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor. And yes, this recipe has no orange marmalade, so it is perfectly healthy too.
• Soy Sauce – Opt for tamari soy sauce if gluten-free; otherwise, regular works well. Tamari has a richer flavor and is a good alternative for gluten-sensitive people. For the Instant Pot version, add extra tamari for additional flavor.
• Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick to the sauce. Substitute with white vinegar if needed.
• Sesame Oil – Enhances the dish with a nutty aroma. Use in moderation for a subtle flavor.
• Coconut Sugar or dark brown sugar – Adds sweetness; choose a calorie-free sugar alternative for a low-calorie or keto version.
• Minced Garlic and Ginger Puree – Fresh ingredients provide a robust flavor. Consider using pre-minced garlic and ginger for convenience.

• Chilli Flakes – Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. Add more for extra heat.
• Salt – Enhances overall seasoning; adjust according to taste.
• Skinless Chicken Breasts – Choose high-quality chicken breasts and cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs adjust the time.
• Cornflour – Also known as corn starch, it coats the chicken, contributing to a crispy texture when cooked. Use as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil – Use for stovetop frying; opt for a calorie-controlled cooking spray if following a Weight Watchers plan.

Ready to learn how to make this Crockpot Orange Chicken? Grab those chicken breasts and the other ingredients, and I will show you…

How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken

1. Mix the orange juice, tamari soy sauce, cider vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
2. Add the chicken and the cornflour into a Ziploc bag and mix until the chicken is coated.
3. Add the chicken pieces into the slow cooker liner followed by the sauce, and mix.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5.
5. If you want a thicker sauce, then decant sauce in a small pot over medium heat and bubble away for about 5-7 mins until thickened and return to the chicken.
6. Garnish with spring onion and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Directions On How to Make Stove Top Orange Chicken

1. Mix the orange juice, tamari soy sauce, cider vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes and salt in a bowl and set aside.
2. Add the chicken and the cornflour into a Ziploc bag and mix until the chicken is coated.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken pieces in 2 batches until cooked through. Set aside somewhere warm (might take 8-10 mins).
4. Put the orange sauce in a separate pot over medium and bubble away for about 5 mins until thickened and reduced by about a third.
5. Switch off the heat, add the cooked chicken to reduce the sauce, and mix well.
6. Garnish with spring onion and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

How To Make Instant Pot Orange Chicken

1. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside: orange juice, tamari soy sauce, cider vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, chilli flakes and salt
2. Add the chicken and the sauce into the Instant Pot liner.
3. Cover your Instant Pot, set the vent to ‘sealing,’ select the manual or pressure cook button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 5 mins.
4. When done allow to NPR for 10 mins then QPR and open the lid.
5. Mix the cornflour with 1 tbsp of water and make a lump free paste.
6. Select the sauté function and add the cornflour paste, mix and sauté for about 3 mins until thickened and switch off the heat.
7. Garnish with spring onion and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Orange Sauce Recipe

The sauce used in this recipe consists of orange juice, tamari soy sauce, cider vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and salt.

If you would like, this sauce can be made and placed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze, store it in an airtight Ziploc freezer bag for up to 2 months. (Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.)

You could use this sauce with Boiled Chicken Tenders for extra flavor.

Expert Tips

• Cut chicken into uniform pieces (1.5-2 cm) for even cooking. This ensures all pieces cook through at the same rate.
• Let the chicken marinate in the orange juice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances flavor and ensures the chicken absorbs the marinade like your local Chinese restaurant resulting in juicy chicken.
• Tailor the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference. You can always start with a smaller quantity and add more if needed.
• The cook and total time are for the Instant Pot version only. The total cook time does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to get to pressure and the time for the natural pressure release. Plan for additional time.
• For fewer calories and carbs, substitute the coconut sugar/dark brown sugar with a calorie-free sugar substitute.

Delicious Variations

• Add Sesame seeds – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished tender chicken dish for a nutty crunch and extra depth of flavor.
• Spice it up – Increase the quantity of chili flakes, use red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for those who crave a spicier kick.
• Add more garlic – Double the minced garlic for an extra garlicky flavor. This variation is perfect for garlic enthusiasts who enjoy a robust and savory profile. Finish it off with green onions.

Prep And Storage

• Make Ahead – This Crock pot Orange Chicken recipe is incredibly convenient to prepare in advance. Marinate the chicken in the orange sauce mixture and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. 
• Reheat – To enjoy leftovers, reheat the orange chicken and sauce. Toss it in a saucepan on the stove for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.
• Store – Prepare this dish and store leftover chicken it in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. For easier reheating, consider portioning it into single-serving containers or bags. Opt for glass containers to prevent staining.
• Freeze – If you’ve made a large batch, allow the orange chicken to cool down, then transfer it into freezer-friendly storage containers. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Meal Prep – Consider doubling or tripling the ingredients to make extra portions. Enjoy the extra servings for subsequent meals during the week, or freeze them for later use.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of Crockpot Recipes, or start a few of my most popular recipes:

• Easy Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole.
• Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas.
• Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken.
• 7 Chicken Marinades for Chicken Breast – so many flavourful chicken breast ideas in that post.

Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken With:

• Herbed Cauliflower ‘Rice’ – For a low-carb option.
• Grilled Broccoli – Bringing a smoky and charred dimension to your slow cooker orange chicken.
• Instant Pot White Rice – Consider pairing your slow cooker orange chicken with perfectly cooked Instant Pot White Rice, brown rice, fried rice, or steamed rice for a classic combination. Add some steamed broccoli.
• Air Fryer Baked Potato – Offering a crispy exterior that pairs well with the succulent orange chicken.
• Mandarin orange slices – For an extra orangey boost, serve this with mandarin orange slices.

Recommended Tools

• Use an awesome crockpot to make this slow cooker orange chicken and some of the best meals.
• Best ever sea salt flakes to add additional flavor.
• Kitchen utensils are a must for making this great recipe.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points 

There are 1 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this if you replace the 1 tsp coconut sugar/dark brown sugar with a calorie-free sugar alternative.

Thank you for reading my Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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