Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Why choose this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe? You’ll love it because it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss the chicken with flour, add the rest of the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
I appreciate how the flavors meld together over hours, creating a mouthwatering dish that always impresses my family. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights since I can set it and forget it.
The tender chicken paired with a sweet and tangy sauce is a surefire crowd-pleaser, and it’s a meal that pairs beautifully with rice and veggies. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
When it comes to making Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that sweet and tangy flavor that makes this dish so delightful. Luckily, you don’t need a long list of fancy items—most of the ingredients are pretty straightforward and can be found in your kitchen or at your local grocery store.
Let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/3 cup orange marmalade
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients a little bit.
First off, feel free to swap out chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but just know that thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after hours in the slow cooker.
And while fresh ginger brings a lovely zing, you can use ground ginger in a pinch—just be sure to adjust the quantity since it’s more concentrated.
The combination of orange marmalade and barbecue sauce creates that perfect balance of sweet and savory, so try not to skip either one; they play really well together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into the heart of making Slow Cooker Orange Chicken. First things first, grab those 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs. Honestly, I love using thighs here because they just have this magical ability to stay juicy and tender, even after hours of slow cooking.
You’ll want to toss these thighs in 3 tablespoons of flour. This not only helps to coat them nicely but also thickens that luscious sauce we’re about to create. Just toss everything in the slow cooker—you don’t need to be fancy about it.
Now, let’s make that sauce come to life. In goes 1/3 cup of orange marmalade, which gives that sweet zing we all crave. Follow it up with 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce for that smoky depth, then drizzle in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for a touch of umami. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of grated fresh gingerroot; it adds a delightful warmth that really elevates the dish.
Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the sauce. It’s messy, it’s fun, and it smells incredible already.
Once everything is mixed, cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. If you’re like me and you forget time exists when you’re cooking, just set a timer.
When the time’s up, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to be served. I usually pair my orange chicken with hot cooked rice and some green beans for a complete meal. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Just be prepared—when you serve it, everyone will want seconds. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll snag a little bit of leftovers for lunch.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic recipe for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
For a healthier twist, try swapping chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts. If you’re aiming for a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
You can also replace orange marmalade with apricot jam for a different flavor profile. If you’re out of soy sauce, coconut aminos work great too.
Experiment with these substitutions and discover your favorite variation! Happy cooking!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
To enhance your meal, consider serving Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with a side of fluffy jasmine rice, which perfectly complements the dish’s sweet and tangy flavors.
I also love pairing it with steamed green beans for a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
If you’re looking for something heartier, a simple stir-fried vegetable medley can add color and nutrients.
For a touch of brightness, a light cucumber salad with a citrus vinaigrette works wonders.
Each of these sides not only elevates the dish but also adds variety to your dining experience. Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, I’ve found that a few simple tips can really enhance the dish.
First, don’t skip the ginger; it adds a fresh kick. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of orange marmalade.
If you’re short on time, you can sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
For a thicker sauce, mix a cornstarch slurry in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Finally, don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for a nice touch before serving! Enjoy your meal!