Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Craving a meal that's both easy to make and packed with vibrant flavor? Look no further than this Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Orange Chicken. With minimal preparation and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish is perfect for busy evenings or make-ahead meal planning. The result is tender chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess beautifully.

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
Make the Orange Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), garlic, and ginger.

Combine and Cook:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Optional Thickening:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on high until the sauce thickens.
Shred and Serve:

Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.

Serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for Success:
Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Veggie Add-ins: For added nutrition and color, consider throwing in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking.

Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes nicely for up to 3 months—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

This Sweet and Tangy Crockpot Orange Chicken is the epitome of convenience and flavor. With its bright, citrusy sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the delightful taste of orange chicken in one delicious recipe!