Quick Zesty Orange Chicken Recipe From Your Slow Cooker

Weeknight dinners become a breeze with this mouthwatering slow cooker orange chicken that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a vibrant, zesty orange sauce that dances with sweet and tangy notes.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of citrusy goodness that will make taste buds sing.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing each morsel with rich, deep flavors that seem to simmer and develop over hours.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this incredibly satisfying meal.

Simple, fresh components come together effortlessly to create a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Serve this delectable orange chicken over steamed rice for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Behind Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tender, succulent meat that absorbs sauce beautifully.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Brings vibrant citrus brightness and natural sweetness to the dish.
• Honey: Adds rich, smooth sweetness and helps create glossy sauce texture.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami flavor and enhances overall savory profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides subtle tangy balance and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Ginger: Contributes warm, spicy undertone with fresh, zingy character.
• Sesame Oil: Imparts nutty, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting spicy kick.

• Cornstarch: Creates silky sauce consistency and helps coat chicken perfectly.
• Water: Helps dissolve cornstarch for smooth sauce development.
• Green Onions: Offers fresh, crisp garnish with mild onion brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Must-Have Tools for Orange Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and keeping it moist.
• Skillet: Optional but helpful for lightly browning chicken before slow cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful orange sauce.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients like garlic and green onions.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping and prepping ingredients cleanly.

Cooking Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Confidence

• Dust Chicken With Cornstarch

Prepare chicken pieces by lightly coating them in cornstarch. For extra flavor, quickly sear chicken in a hot skillet to lock in those delicious juices.

• Whip Up Zesty Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine tangy orange juice, bright zest, sweet honey, rich soy sauce, punchy vinegar, minced garlic, zingy ginger, aromatic sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

• Let Slow Cooker Work Its

Transfer chicken into the slow cooker, then pour the vibrant sauce over the top. Gently mix to ensure each piece gets coated. Cover and let it simmer on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.

• Create Silky Sauce

During the final 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to create a quick thickening slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to transform the sauce into a luxurious, glossy coating.

• Plate And Garnish

Serve the succulent orange chicken over fluffy rice or steamed vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Tips to Give Orange Chicken Extra Flavor

• Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content without sacrificing flavor depth.
• Prepare the sauce and chicken the night before, store in the refrigerator, and start the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
• Swap chicken for tofu, turkey, or boneless pork chops to create delicious variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to create a mild, medium, or fiery version of the dish – perfect for families with varying heat tolerances.

Serving Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Just Right

• Tropical Twist Plating: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of coconut rice for a creamy, exotic flavor that complements the citrusy sauce and adds a luxurious touch to the meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Spread the chicken and sauce in a large serving dish, surrounded by steamed broccoli and crispy edamame, creating a colorful and nutritious family meal that encourages sharing.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and thin orange slices on top to add bright colors, crunchy textures, and a pop of fresh citrus that elevates the dish's visual appeal and taste.
• Quick Meal Prep: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with separate compartments for rice and chicken, making it easy to reheat and enjoy a delicious lunch at work or school the next day.

Saving and Reheating Orange Chicken Later

• Transfer leftover orange chicken to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave with a splash of extra orange sauce, stirring midway to ensure even heating. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Pair with pre-cooked rice or quinoa for quick weekday meals that save time and reduce kitchen stress.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• Is there a substitute for orange juice?

You can use tangerine juice, mandarin juice, or even pineapple juice as alternatives that will provide similar citrusy sweetness to the dish.

• How spicy will this orange chicken be?

The red pepper flakes add mild heat. If you want less spice, reduce or omit them. For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Easy Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy New York-style mini cheesecakes bring irresistible dessert magic to your table with minimal effort. Silky smooth texture and graham cracker crust create a perfect bite-sized indulgence you’ll absolutely crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar (for crust)
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Toppings:

• Fresh berries
• Chocolate drizzle
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325F (160C) and positioning a standard muffin tin with delicate paper liners.
2. Construct the foundational crust by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until achieving a uniform consistency. Distribute the mixture evenly across muffin cavities, pressing firmly to create a compact base. Briefly toast the crust for 5 minutes, then allow to cool and stabilize.
3. Create the creamy filling by whisking cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free texture. Incorporate eggs individually, gently mixing after each addition to maintain a smooth composition. Fold in vanilla extract and sour cream, ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
4. Carefully ladle the cheesecake mixture over prepared crusts, filling each compartment approximately three-quarters full. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a slightly trembling center indicating perfect doneness. Remove and allow initial cooling within the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to refrigeration for minimum 2-hour chilling.
5. After complete refrigeration, embellish mini cheesecakes with optional garnishes like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or pillowy whipped cream. Serve chilled and savor the delicate, creamy dessert.

Notes

• Achieve a smooth, crack-free surface by avoiding overmixing the cheesecake batter, which introduces excess air and can cause splitting during baking.
• Prevent crust crumbling by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the muffin cups, creating a compact base that holds together perfectly.
• Customize these mini cheesecakes for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free graham crackers, using low-fat cream cheese, or creating vegan versions with cashew-based alternatives.
• Control portion sizes and prevent overbaking by using an instant-read thermometer, checking that the internal temperature reaches 150F for a creamy, not dry, texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg