Craving something that hits all the sweet, savory, and just-a-little spicy notes of your favorite takeout, but want to enjoy it at home? Let me introduce you to the magic of Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a glossy, tangy glaze that’s equal parts citrusy and irresistible. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, so you can channel those restaurant vibes without hovering over the stove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy dinner with leftovers, this is the dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted at how a handful of familiar ingredients come together in this dish to create something remarkably flavorful. Each one brings a unique touch—whether it’s sweetness, heat, silkiness, or crunch—into what makes Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade so crave-worthy.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces, they soak up all that flavorful sauce while staying extra tender in the slow cooker.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light coating that thickens the sauce and creates that irresistible glossy look.
Vegetable or Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken for flavor and color, even before the slow cook magic happens.
Orange Marmalade: The star of the show—brings bold citrus sweetness and sticky shine to the sauce.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the marmalade’s brightness.
Rice Vinegar: Lends a touch of tang that holds everything together and gives the glaze its signature zing.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—this adds a nutty, toasty aroma that makes the dish downright addictive.
Ground Ginger: Infuses the sauce with gentle warmth and classic Asian-inspired flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh, because we all know everything tastes better with garlic!
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for mild heat, or add extra if you love a spicy kick.
Sesame Seeds: Stirring into the sauce and sprinkling over the top gives crunch, color, and that perfect finishing flourish.
Fresh Scallions: Thinly sliced for garnish—they brighten up the dish in both flavor and appearance.

How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade

Step 1: Toss the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken pieces in a shallow bowl with the cornstarch. Toss until every piece is lightly coated—this step helps the glaze cling to the chicken later and gives a lovely silky texture you don’t want to skip.

Step 2: Brown for Flavor

Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your coated chicken pieces in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Give them just a few minutes until golden brown on the outside. You’re not cooking them through, just adding that first layer of flavor and a hint of crispiness.

Step 3: Layer into the Crockpot

Transfer the beautifully browned chicken into your slow cooker. No need for anything fancy here—just pile them in so every piece will soak up the sauce magic as it cooks.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Orange Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Give it a good whisk to bring everything together. This mixture is the secret behind that restaurant-style flavor in Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce over the chicken in your slow cooker, and stir gently so every piece gets a good coating. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 and a half to 3 hours, stirring halfway through to check the sauce and ensure the chicken stays tender and coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower over some extra sesame seeds and those thinly sliced scallions. It brings a burst of color and a little crunch, making the whole dish look (and taste) extra special.

How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade

Garnishes

Top your Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade with plenty of fresh scallions and another generous pinch of sesame seeds. The scallions give a pop of freshness, while the sesame seeds add an irresistible hint of nuttiness and a little crunch with every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish is pure magic when piled high over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice, allowing all that zesty, sweet sauce to soak in. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with jasmine rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of steamed broccoli or snap peas brightens the plate and adds a gorgeous green contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade in lettuce cups for a light, appetizer-style meal. Or, spoon over noodles for a slurpable, saucy spin on weeknight dinner. If you’re hosting, create a DIY takeout bar with different toppings—think chopped peanuts, sliced chili, extra citrus wedges—so everyone can build their bowl just how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have lunches or speedy dinners ready to go with all the flavor still intact!

Freezing

Want to get ahead? This orange chicken freezes really well. Portion any leftovers into freezer-safe containers, making sure to include plenty of sauce with the chicken pieces. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Reheating

To bring back all that just-cooked goodness, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop individual servings in the microwave, stirring once or twice for even warming. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, a splash of water or chicken broth will bring it right back to its glossy, drapey best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cut them into similar bite-size pieces and follow the instructions as written.

Is Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade very spicy?

It’s more sweet and tangy than spicy! The red pepper flakes add just a subtle heat, but you can always increase or decrease the amount to suit your preferred spice level.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely—this recipe is super flexible. Chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even snap peas can be added to the slow cooker along with the chicken for extra color and texture.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The pieces should be tender and pull apart easily but not dry or overcooked.

What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?

Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring all your ingredients are gluten-free verified. The result will be just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for an easy way to enjoy takeout-style dinners right in your own kitchen, this Crockpot Orange Chicken with Orange Marmalade is the answer. There’s so much flavor with so little hands-on time, and I can’t wait for you to see just how quickly it becomes a regular favorite at your table. Give it a try and let the slow cooker take care of tonight’s delicious dinner!