This Crockpot Orange Chicken is sweet, sticky, and full of bold orange flavor with tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce. It’s an easy slow cooker dinner that tastes just like takeout but with simple ingredients and very little prep. Perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces directly into the crockpot and spread them out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
Step 3: Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir it into the crockpot, cover again, and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs give a juicier result, but breasts work great if you prefer lean meat
- For extra thickness, leave the lid off during the last 10 minutes
- If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a splash of extra soy sauce or vinegar to balance it
- Stir gently after thickening so the chicken stays intact
Variations
- Add sliced bell peppers or broccoli during the last hour of cooking
- Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil
- Use frozen breaded chicken for a shortcut version
- Swap honey for brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness
Tips
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly
- Use fresh orange juice for the brightest citrus flavor
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest if you want a stronger orange taste
- Serve immediately for the best sticky texture
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Pair with fried rice or lo mein noodles
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Spoon leftovers into lettuce wraps for a lighter option
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first is recommended for even cooking and better texture.
Does this recipe taste like takeout orange chicken?
Yes, it has a sweet and tangy flavor very similar to classic takeout versions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavors deepen after resting.
Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes, simmer the sauce and chicken in a skillet until cooked through and thickened.