Crockpot Orange Chicken

This crockpot orange chicken takes only 5 ingredients and can be ready in as little as two hours! Serve it over steamed or fried rice for an easy dinner recipe.

You’ll love the tenderness of the chicken combined with this sweet and tangy orange sauce.

 

Orange chicken is a popular dish that can be found at many Americanized Chinese restaurants and now this similar dish can be made at home in your slow cooker.

Juicy chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger for added depth. This easy, one-pot dish delivers a flavorful, citrusy twist on a classic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or over a bed of rice.

This homemade orange chicken will become a weekly staple if you love crockpot recipes! If you have an Instant Pot, you can also try my Instant Pot Orange Chicken next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Orange Chicken

• Copycat Flavors – If you have the craving for your favorite orange chicken from a restaurant, then you’ll love how easy it is to make copycat flavors at home.
• Easy Dinner Recipe – It’s as simple as combine all of the ingredients in to the slow cooker and turning it on! Stir and serve over steamed rice or your favorite restaurant-style fried rice recipe.
• Simple Ingredients – The ingredients needed for this recipe can easily be found at most grocery stores, and they’re great to keep in the freezer/refrigerator/pantry for the nights you need an easy recipe.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crockpot orange chicken:

Full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Tenderloins: This recipe calls for tenderloins but that’s because it makes the prep even easier and you’ll just cut the tenderloins in to 1-inch pieces. Chicken breasts or skinless, boneless, chicken thighs can also be used in place of tenderloins.
• Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, although, for best results, I’d use an original flavor sauce, unless you prefer a spicier dish.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended for this recipe to keep the salt flavors from getting too high when combined with the salt in barbecue sauce.
• Orange Marmalade: If you can’t find marmalade, you can also use an orange jelly or jam.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken

3. Cook. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.  Stir well before removing from the crockpot.

4. Garnish and serve. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired, and serve warm, ideally over a bed of rice but it can be served as is.

Can Orange Chicken be Made on the Stovetop?

Absolutely. There are two ways you can make orange chicken on the stove.

1. First Method: You can build your sauce in a skillet and then add the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and cook. Flip the pieces and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (10-15 minutes).
2. Second Method (Crispier): Or, in a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the chicken, and mix to combine. Next, coat diced chicken in about ¼ cup of cornstarch (optional) in a skillet for a crispier result, and then sear the chicken in a ¼ cup of oil, until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to combine and allow the sauce to heat through, and then serve.

Recipe Tips:

• To use frozen chicken, increase the cook time by an hour. Be aware that the sauce might turn out a bit watery from the chicken thawing. To thicken it, you can remove the chicken after cooking and whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch. 
• Optional Additions: Add fresh or ground ginger for extra freshness. Try ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Sesame oil is a great way to add a little something extra to this dish. Be mindful that a little goes a long way.  Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or “everything bagel” seasoning. 

Storing Tips

• Leftovers: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool before storing. The chicken will keep for about 3 days. 
• To Reheat on the Stove: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Heat for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  To Reheat in the Microwave: Place your chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2 minutes or until warmed throughout. Stir well and serve.
• To Freeze: Make your 5-ingredient crockpot orange chicken ahead of time and have a hearty meal for another day. Cook as directed and allow the chicken to cool. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag or a freezer container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop. 

Recipe FAQs

What to Serve with Crockpot Orange Chicken:

Rice or soba noodles go wonderfully with orange chicken. Or, for additional ideas to serve on the side, try some of these:

Related Recipes:

It’s simple to make this 5-ingredient crockpot chicken recipe. Pin this recipe to save it!

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