If you love the bold, citrusy flavor of classic orange chicken but don’t want to deal with deep frying or standing over the stove, this Crockpot Orange Chicken is the perfect solution. Made with simple pantry ingredients and slow-cooked to tender perfection, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this recipe is a reliable go-to that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Let the crockpot do the work
- Healthier than takeout: No frying required
- Sweet and savory balance: Bright orange flavor with a hint of garlic and ginger
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled, no pulp)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
To Thicken
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place it in the bottom of the crockpot. - Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. - Slow Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook:- Low: 4–5 hours
- High: 2–3 hours
until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred or Slice
Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks or slice into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the crockpot. - Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the crockpot, cover, and cook on High for 15–20 minutes, until the sauce thickens. - Serve
Spoon over rice, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Orange Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor
- Fresh orange juice gives the brightest citrus taste
- Don’t skip the vinegar—it balances the sweetness
- For a crispy texture, briefly broil the chicken after cooking, then toss it back in the sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Orange Chicken proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its sticky-sweet sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible aroma, it’s a dish that feels special while fitting seamlessly into everyday life.