Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook — where passion meets the plate. Cooking is my love language, and every recipe I share is tested, heartfelt, and designed to make your kitchen time meaningful. At Bikren Cook, we believe food isn’t just about taste — it’s about creating memories around the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, our recipes make every meal feel special.
Today I’m sharing my favorite Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe that transforms a takeout favorite into a healthier, budget-friendly meal you can enjoy any night of the week. This dish brings together tender chicken pieces with a bright, tangy orange sauce that develops incredible depth of flavor as it simmers in the slow cooker. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients & Preparation for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Meat Prep Essentials
Before adding your chicken to the crockpot, it’s important to prepare it properly. Trim any excess fat from boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. For extra tenderness, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. If you have time, dry-brine the chicken by sprinkling it with a little salt and letting it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking.
Marinades & Rubs
For the perfect Crockpot Orange Chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight delivers the boldest flavor profile.
Pantry Staples
You’ll also need:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 3 tablespoons water
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Pre-Cooking Prep
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels after removing from the marinade (if used).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes for more even cooking.
Cooking Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Quickly brown the chicken pieces on all sides (about 2 minutes per side) – this step is optional but adds deeper flavor.
- Transfer chicken to the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Doneness Check
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be tender enough to easily shred with a fork.
Finishing Touches
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Remove chicken pieces and set aside.
- Pour the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and stir well.
- Return chicken to the pot, cover, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Orange Chicken
Avoiding Tough/Dry Chicken
- Don’t overcook the chicken – even in a crockpot, it can become dry
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results
- If using chicken breasts, check for doneness earlier in the cooking process
- Add a tablespoon of orange marmalade for extra moisture and flavor intensity
Tool Recommendations
- A programmable slow cooker with a timer function is ideal
- Silicon-tipped tongs for handling the chicken without piercing
- Microplane for perfect orange zest without bitter pith
- Instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness
Storage & Reheating
Store cooked Crockpot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of orange juice to revive the sauce’s brightness and prevent dryness.
Flavor Variations for Crockpot Orange Chicken
Spicy Twist
Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or 1 teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce for a heat that balances beautifully with the sweet orange.
Keto/Paleo-Friendly
Replace the honey with a sugar-free sweetener and thicken with arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch. Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Global Flavors
- Thai-inspired: Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- Moroccan: Include 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander
- Caribbean: Mix in 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and 1 teaspoon of allspice
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Orange Chicken
This vibrant Crockpot Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
- Quinoa for additional protein
- Steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas
- Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
For a refreshing beverage pairing, try:
- Iced green tea with mint
- Sparkling water with orange slices
- Ginger lemonade
- Mango smoothie
Looking for a special dessert to follow? Try my Apple Pie Cupcakes or White Chocolate Cranberry Tart to complete your meal.
FAQs About Crockpot Orange Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
While it’s always best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for food safety reasons, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. If using frozen chicken:
- Extend cooking time by 1-2 hours
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
- Skip the browning step
- Check that pieces have separated during cooking
How Do I Fix Overcooked Chicken?
If your chicken becomes a bit dry:
- Shred it and mix thoroughly with the sauce
- Add a tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce
- Serve with extra sauce spooned over the top
- Mix with steamed vegetables that will contribute moisture
Is This Recipe Safe For Pregnant Women?
Yes, this Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is safe for pregnant women as long as:
- The chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F
- All ingredients are fresh and properly stored
- The slow cooker maintains a safe temperature throughout cooking
- Leftovers are promptly refrigerated and properly reheated
Conclusion
This Crockpot Orange Chicken brings the bright, tangy flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with incredible orange flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have time to stand over the stove.
Fire up your crockpot and try this recipe tonight! The combination of sweet, tangy orange with tender chicken creates a meal your family will request again and again. Plus, with all the variations, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
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