Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Crock Pot: Flavorful and Effortless Cooking

Creating a delicious orange chicken dish in your crock pot is a perfect way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. This easy recipe combines the vibrant citrusy taste of oranges with tender chicken, delivering a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends. Let's dive into how you can effortlessly prepare this savory orange chicken using your crock pot.

1. Ingredients You'll Need:

1. Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice or store-bought orange juice concentrate.

3. Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and saltiness.

4. Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and caramelization.

5. Garlic: Minced garlic cloves for aromatic flavor.

6. Ginger: Freshly grated ginger or ground ginger powder for a hint of spice.

7. Orange Zest: Grated orange peel for extra citrusy aroma.

8. Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.

9. Green Onions: Chopped green onions for garnish.

10. Sesame Seeds: Optional for garnish and added texture.

2. Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Combine with Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the crock pot and pour the orange sauce over them. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

3. Cooking: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Alternatively, cook on high heat for 2-3 hours.

4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the orange chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

3. Tips for Success:

• Chicken Choice: Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results, but chicken breasts work well too.

• Orange Flavor: Adjust the amount of orange juice and zest to suit your taste preferences.

• Thickening Sauce: If the sauce is not thick enough, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer for a few more minutes.

4. Enjoy Your Easy Orange Chicken!

With this simple crock pot recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality orange chicken in the comfort of your home. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of cooking orange chicken in your crock pot, and savor every bite of this flavorful meal.