Deliciously Easy: Crockpot Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce Recipe

Satisfy your craving for the iconic flavors of Panda Express with this simple and mouthwatering recipe for crockpot orange chicken. Made with Panda Express sauce and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. In this article, we'll explore how to make crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce, providing step-by-step instructions and tips for a flavorful and effortless meal.

1. What is Crockpot Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce?

Description

Crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce is a homemade version of the popular Chinese-American dish, featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce reminiscent of the flavors found at Panda Express restaurants.

Highlights

Convenience: This recipe utilizes a crockpot or slow cooker, allowing for easy preparation and hands-off cooking.
Flavorful Sauce: The Panda Express sauce adds authentic flavor to the dish, combining sweet, savory, and citrusy notes for a deliciously balanced taste.
Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the crockpot ensures that it becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the sauce as it simmers.

2. Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce

Description

To make crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Panda Express Sauce: Prepared Panda Express orange sauce, available at most grocery stores or online.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and umami to the dish.
Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelization to the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger enhance the savory and aromatic profile of the dish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the chicken.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added flavor.

3. How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken with Panda Express Sauce

Description

Follow these simple steps to prepare crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce:

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Place bite-sized chicken pieces in the crockpot.
Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together Panda Express sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Thicken Sauce (Optional): If desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the crockpot orange chicken over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

4. Tips for Success

Description

For best results when making crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce, consider the following tips:

Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, ginger, and orange juice for the best flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken and adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness.
Thicken Sauce to Preference: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry added during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Garnish Liberally: Don't skimp on the garnishes! Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add visual appeal and additional flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

With this easy and flavorful recipe for crockpot orange chicken with Panda Express sauce, you can enjoy the delicious taste of your favorite Chinese-American dish from the comfort of your own home. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to impress with its tender chicken and irresistible orange sauce. Give it a try for a satisfying meal that's both convenient and delicious!