Effortless and delicious: orange chicken recipe in crock pot for easy weeknights

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Orange Chicken, effortlessly crafted in the convenience of your crock pot. This delectable dish will tantalize your taste buds with its crispy chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce, promising a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients for the Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions for the Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot

1. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the orange sauce until smooth. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides.
4. Transfer to the Crock Pot: Transfer the browned chicken to a 4-quart crock pot.
5. Pour the Orange Sauce: Pour the orange sauce over the chicken.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
7. Enjoy: Serve the Orange Chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for a vibrant presentation.

Tips for the Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot

• Customize the Orange Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the orange sauce by adding more honey or rice vinegar to taste.
• Add Vegetables: For a more nutritious dish, add chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the crock pot.
• Use a Slow Cooker Liner: To make cleanup a breeze, use a slow cooker liner before adding the ingredients.
• Serve with Sides: Complement the Orange Chicken with steamed broccoli, jasmine rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.

Variations of the Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or Sriracha to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Stir in a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for an extra layer of nutty flavor.
• Pineapple Orange Chicken: Add a cup of chopped pineapple chunks to the crock pot for a tropical twist.

The Art of Crispy Orange Chicken in the Crock Pot

While the slow cooker is known for its tenderizing capabilities, achieving crispy chicken might seem challenging. Here’s a secret:

• Double-Coat the Chicken: Before marinating the chicken, double-coat it with cornstarch and flour for an extra layer of crispiness.
• Brown the Chicken First: Sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot to develop a golden-brown crust.
• Cook on High for the Final Hour: Once the chicken is almost cooked through, switch the crock pot to high for the final hour of cooking to further crisp up the chicken.

The History of Orange Chicken

The origins of Orange Chicken are shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have originated in China. It gained popularity in the United States in the 1970s and quickly became a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.

Healthier Options for Orange Chicken in the Crock Pot

• Use Whole-Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the honey or brown sugar in the orange sauce to create a healthier version.
• Steam the Chicken: Instead of browning the chicken in a skillet, steam it for a lighter and healthier option.

Beyond the Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot

Explore other delectable crock pot recipes:

• [Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken](link to another blog post)
• [Crock Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken](link to another blog post)
• [Easy Crock Pot Pulled Pork](link to another blog post)

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and browning.

Q: How long can I store the Orange Chicken?
A: Leftover Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Orange Chicken?
A: Orange Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, egg noodles, or broccoli.