Enter a world of culinary delight with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, a dish that marries the zesty brightness of citrus with tender, flavorful chicken. The convenience of a slow cooker combined with the sweet and savory allure of orange sauce creates a harmonious and delectable experience for your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the journey of crafting this delightful dish, from collecting the ingredients to following step-by-step instructions, cook’s notes, exciting variations, and even keto and low-carb versions. Let’s dive into the world of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, where a symphony of flavors awaits your senses.
Ingredients
For your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and easy serving.
2. Create the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the cut chicken pieces in your slow cooker and pour the orange sauce over them. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Set and Forget: Set your slow cooker to the low setting and let the chicken cook for 2.5 to 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, and the chicken to become tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch and water. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is ready, garnish it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Notes To achieve the best results with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, ensure that you cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes.
Variations Elevate your culinary experience with these creative variations:
- Orange Peel Twist: Add orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch.
Keto Version For those following a keto lifestyle, modify the recipe by using a keto-friendly orange marmalade substitute or making your own using stevia and orange zest. Swap the cornstarch for xanthan gum or another keto thickener, and serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Low-Carb Version Crafting a low-carb Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is simple. Use a low-sugar orange marmalade or a sugar-free orange sauce. Replace the cornstarch with a low-carb thickener like arrowroot powder and serve over cauliflower rice or broccoli florets.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a dish that effortlessly blends the bright, citrusy notes of orange with the savory richness of tender chicken. With creative variations to tickle your taste buds and keto and low-carb adaptations for dietary preferences, this recipe is a culinary symphony that’s inclusive and irresistible. Whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, Slow Cooker Orange Chicken delivers the perfect balance of flavors. So, set your slow cooker, let the magic happen, and indulge in a citrusy extravaganza that’s sure to become a household favorite.
