Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

This easy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Making Slow Cooker Orange Chicken at home means you get tender, juicy bites of chicken coated in a sticky, citrusy glaze with zero fuss. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy the ultimate Slow Cooker Orange Chicken experience for dinner tonight!

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

If you love ordering Chinese takeout but want a simpler, healthier version you can make right in your own kitchen, this recipe is going to be your new best friend. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into incredibly tender chicken swimming in a rich, sweet, and savory orange sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal waiting for you!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (to coat the chicken)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 3/4 cup orange marmalade (this is the secret shortcut for a thick, sticky glaze!)

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (plus zest of half an orange for extra punch)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Fresh green onions, sliced

• Cooked white or brown rice

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken pieces in a bowl with the cornstarch until they are evenly coated.

2. Sear (Optional but recommended): Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Briefly brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side just to get a slight crust (it doesn't need to cook through). Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. Note: If you're short on time, you can skip searing and just put the cornstarch-coated chicken straight into the slow cooker!

3. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.

4. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, giving it a good stir to ensure everything is coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours). You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender, but not dry.

5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, give it a final stir—the cornstarch from the chicken will have beautifully thickened the sauce. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice, generously topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions.