Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a flavorful and hassle-free meal, this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is your go-to recipe. Combining tender chicken with a tangy orange sauce, this dish is both delicious and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy days or meal prepping, it lets you enjoy a delightful, citrusy dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
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 fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

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

Optional Thickening:

For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, 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 mix it back into the sauce.

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

Tips for Success:
Frozen Chicken: Frozen chicken can be used, but you may need to extend the cooking time by about an hour.

Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas added in the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing.
This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is all about simplicity and taste. With its easy preparation and vibrant citrus flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking and the bright, refreshing taste of this delicious dish!