Unleash the sweet and spicy nirvana: effortless orange chicken in your slow cooker

Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure with our tantalizing orange chicken recipe slow cooker! This mouthwatering dish combines the vibrant flavors of orange, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. With our easy-to-follow instructions and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can effortlessly savor this delectable meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 (12-ounce) can orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Create the Orange Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and ground cloves.

3. Combine the Ingredients:

• Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged.

4. Slow Cook:

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
• In a small saucepan, bring the remaining sauce to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce until thickened.

6. Serve:

• Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice concentrate: This will give the sauce a vibrant and authentic orange flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey.
• Add a touch of heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Cook until the chicken is tender: Overcooking can result in dry or tough chicken. Check the chicken regularly towards the end of the cooking time.
• Serve with your favorite sides: Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables are all excellent accompaniments to orange chicken.

Variations on the Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker

• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the finished dish.
• Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.

Benefits of Cooking Orange Chicken in a Slow Cooker

• Easy and convenient: Simply combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Tender and juicy chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
• Versatile: The orange sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for other dishes.
• Healthy: Orange chicken is a relatively healthy dish, providing protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.

How to Store Orange Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Orange Chicken

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the orange chicken in a covered dish for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Orange Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker: A Culinary Delight for All

This orange chicken recipe slow cooker is a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant flavors of orange, soy sauce, and ginger. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to create a delectable meal that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Top Questions Asked

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just thaw them completely before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small saucepan, bring the remaining sauce to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce until thickened.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a regular saucepan?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a regular saucepan. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Cook the chicken and sauce over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes.