Name: Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; ½ cup orange marmalade; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon dried ginger; ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; White sesame seeds (optional); Chopped green onion (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 13 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with Crockpot Orange Chicken! This dish is an absolute weeknight hero: tender chunks of chicken breast slowly cooked until perfectly juicy, then smothered in a sweet, citrusy orange sauce with a touch of zing and just the right hint of spice. The magic all happens in your crockpot, so you’re free to relax while your house fills with the most tantalizing aroma. Whether you’re craving Chinese takeout flavors at home or looking for a family dinner everyone will rave about, Crockpot Orange Chicken is bound to become your new go-to favorite.

Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of simple yet essential ingredients transform into something truly special. Each one plays a vital role in the overall taste, giving our Crockpot Orange Chicken its trademark balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this protein soaks up all the flavors while staying tender during slow cooking.
Orange marmalade: The heart and soul of the sauce, it provides natural citrus sweetness and little bits of orange zest for extra zing.
Ketchup: Adds depth and a classic sweet-sour tomato flavor that balances the sauce.
Brown sugar: A touch of molasses-rich sweetness that rounds out the orange notes and adds a glossy richness.
Rice wine vinegar: Lifts the whole dish with its tanginess and keeps the sauce from getting too sweet.
Low sodium soy sauce: Brings that essential saltiness and deep umami flavor.
Fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon of grated ginger (or half a teaspoon dried) brightens the entire sauce and adds gentle warmth.
Red pepper flakes: For a sneaky pop of heat that you can adjust to your liking.
Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and gives the sauce the perfect consistency.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce in the final step so it clings beautifully to every bite of chicken.
White sesame seeds (optional): For garnish and a subtle nutty crunch.
Chopped green onion (optional): Sprinkle on top for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it wonderfully easy to eat. Toss the pieces into the bottom of your crockpot, spreading them out for even coverage. No need to brown them first; the slow cooker will handle all the hard work!

Step 2: Mix the Orange Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the orange marmalade, ketchup, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined—the scent alone will have your taste buds tingling! Pour this gorgeous sauce over the chicken in your crockpot, making sure every piece is well coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now comes the hands-off part! Set your crockpot to low and cook the chicken for 4 hours, or to high for 2 hours if you’re short on time. The slow, gentle heat transforms the chicken into juicy morsels and lets those flavors mingle and deepen, making your Crockpot Orange Chicken irresistibly good.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 10 minutes before serving, stir together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry into your crockpot with the chicken and sauce, then pop the lid back on. If you’ve been cooking on low, kick things up to high now. The sauce will bubble up ever so slightly and thicken to a luscious, glossy coating that clings to every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Crockpot Orange Chicken is saucy and steaming, it’s time to serve! Don’t forget to spoon some of that extra sauce from the bottom of the crockpot—it’s pure flavor gold. Finish each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion, then dig in while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Give your Crockpot Orange Chicken a fresh, restaurant-worthy finish with a scatter of white sesame seeds and chopped green onion. The seeds add tiny pops of crunch and toasty flavor, while the green onions bring color and a gentle sharpness that brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish begs to be paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice that soaks up every last drop of the orange sauce. For extra veggies, try adding a side of stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, or baby bok choy. The classic combo of saucy chicken and rice never fails!

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving your Crockpot Orange Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, light bite, or pile it into steamed bao buns for an unforgettable sandwich. You can even spoon leftovers into meal prep containers alongside rice and veggies for quick and easy lunches all week long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making for delicious next-day lunches or superfast dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the chicken cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps preserve the texture and keeps the flavors vibrant.

Reheating

Warm your Crockpot Orange Chicken gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until it’s hot all the way through and just as saucy as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and will be even more tender and flavorful. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would for the breast.

Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?

No searing required! One of the joys of Crockpot Orange Chicken is how the slow cooker does all the work. The chicken turns out juicy and perfectly cooked—just toss everything in and let it go.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and check that your other condiments are gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Definitely. If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes as suggested in the recipe notes. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with the smaller amount or omit them altogether for a milder sauce that still packs plenty of flavor.

What’s the best way to use leftover sauce?

Don’t let that flavorful sauce go to waste! Drizzle it over rice, steamed veggies, or even use as a dipping sauce for egg rolls or potstickers. It’s the secret weapon in this Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make everyone’s day, Crockpot Orange Chicken is your answer. It’s comforting, crave-worthy, and bursting with homemade goodness. I can’t wait for you to taste how simple ingredients can create such magic—give it a try and let this recipe earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!