Sticky Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, hassle-free meals that spark joy around the table.

This mouthwatering slow cooker orange chicken delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces swimming in a tangy, sweet orange sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

The slow cooker method ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat that falls apart with each bite.

A symphony of citrusy and savory notes creates a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home.

Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Dive into this effortless recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything In Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs rich orange sauce beautifully, choose boneless cuts for easier eating.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior and helps thicken sauce, look for finely ground version for smooth coating.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural flavor, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.

• Orange Marmalade: Delivers bright citrusy sweetness, select high-quality preserve with visible orange peel pieces.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces savory umami layer, opt for low-sodium version to control salt content.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness, balances sweetness of marmalade.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty background note, use toasted variety for deeper flavor.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp crunch and color, slice thinly for best presentation.
• Sesame Seeds: Brings subtle nuttiness and texture, toasted seeds intensify flavor.

Tools Required For Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid

• Slow Cooker: Essential for tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to lock in delicious golden-brown flavor.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the zesty orange sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending sauce components smoothly and evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and green onion garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting chicken and chopping green onions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Cook Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid

• Chicken Coating

Dust chicken pieces with a light layer of cornstarch, creating a delicate shield that promises crispy deliciousness and locks in succulent flavors.

• Flavor Awakening

Quickly sear chicken in a hot skillet, developing a golden exterior that whispers of caramelized goodness and hints at the delectable meal to come.

• Sauce Symphony

Craft a vibrant sauce by blending zesty orange marmalade with savory soy sauce, creating a harmonious mixture that will transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Slow Magic

Nestle the chicken into the slow cooker, gently pouring the sauce over each piece, allowing the ingredients to mingle and dance together in a warm embrace.

• Tender Transformation

Let the slow cooker work its magic, creating a mouthwatering dish that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas for 45 hours on low or 23 hours on high.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle with fresh green onions and a scatter of sesame seeds, then serve over fluffy rice or tender noodles for a meal that celebrates comfort and flavor.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid

• Flavor Boost: Add a touch of ginger or garlic powder to the cornstarch coating for extra depth and aromatic complexity in your orange chicken.
• Texture Trick: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure a crispier exterior and better sauce absorption.
• Spice Lovers' Option: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the marinade for a delightful kick of heat that complements the sweet orange flavor.
• Dietary Swap: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Cauliflower or tofu can replace chicken for vegetarian guests.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain the chicken's tender texture.

Serving Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid Easily

• Zesty Citrus Pairing: Serve the orange chicken alongside a crisp mixed green salad with mandarin orange segments for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own bowl station with fluffy white rice, steamed broccoli, and the tender orange chicken, letting everyone customize their meal.
• Texture Contrast Plate: Add crunchy roasted cashews or sliced almonds on top of the chicken for a delightful nutty crunch that complements the soft, saucy meat.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Pair the dish with warm garlic butter naan or soft sesame rolls to soak up the delicious orange sauce, making each bite more satisfying.

Storage Plan For Chicken Pot Pie Crescent Braid

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the meat moist and sauce fresh in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers, which can be stored up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain texture.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare double batches during weekends, separating chicken and sauce into meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the busy work week.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and maintain juiciness.

Tangy Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent orange chicken delights families with its tangy and sweet Asian-inspired flavors. Tender chicken pieces coated in zesty orange sauce promise a simple, satisfying meal for home cooks eager to enjoy restaurant-quality dinner without complex preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (340 grams) orange marmalade
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Thoroughly dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, ensuring complete and even coverage for optimal texture and flavor.
2. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and enhances depth of flavor.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated, creating a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker, pour prepared sauce over the meat, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
5. Final Touches: Gently stir chicken to redistribute sauce, allowing flavors to meld completely. Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with finely sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a burst of fresh flavor and added texture.

Notes

• Optimize Coating Technique: Ensure chicken is completely and evenly coated with cornstarch mixture for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall texture.
• Searing Secrets: Brown chicken pieces quickly in hot oil to develop deep flavor caramelization before slow cooking, which prevents the meat from becoming bland or mushy during long cooking process.
• Sauce Balance Matters: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the chicken’s richness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Can be easily adapted for meal prep by storing in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and reheating gently to maintain tender chicken texture and vibrant sauce flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg