Craving for some delicious Chinese takeout but don’t want to go out? You can now make your own orange chicken right at home with this easy slow cooker recipe! This sweet and tangy chicken is perfect over rice, and the best part is that you can set it and forget it while it cooks in the slow cooker. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, and orange juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step 7: Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Serve the orange chicken over rice, and top with thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
This slow cooker orange chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the result is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The orange marmalade and honey provide the sweetness, while the soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor. And the best part is that you can let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
You can also customize this recipe to your liking by adjusting the amount of sauce or adding your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
In conclusion, this easy slow cooker orange chicken recipe is the perfect solution for when you’re craving Chinese takeout but don’t want to leave the house. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead and give it a try!
Here are some additional tips and variations for making this easy slow cooker orange chicken recipe even more delicious:
- For a healthier option, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They have more flavor and tend to stay moist in the slow cooker.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and soy sauce.
- You can add some vegetables to this recipe for more nutrition and color. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas are all great options.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- If you don’t have orange marmalade on hand, you can use apricot preserves or pineapple preserves instead.
- For an even richer and more complex flavor, you can add some grated ginger and minced garlic to the sauce.
- To make this recipe more authentic, you can use Chinese rice wine or Shaoxing wine instead of orange juice.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch and water to the mixture.
- You can also make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the chicken in the Instant Pot, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
