Crockpot Orange Chicken: The Best Slow Cooker Dinner Idea

Crockpot Orange Chicken is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemma. With just 15 minutes of prep time and your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting, this easy orange chicken slow cooker recipe delivers tender, tangy, and sweet chicken every single time.

Forget spending hours in the kitchen making a homemade orange chicken recipe from scratch. With this shortcut version, you’ll have all the bold flavors of restaurant-style orange chicken, but with a fraction of the effort. Trust me, this is one of the best slow cooker chicken recipes you’ll ever try—and a quick orange chicken dinner that’ll become a new family favorite.

Why This Crockpot Orange Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it with your slow cooker while you focus on other tasks.
• Time-saving shortcut: Traditional orange chicken requires deep frying and constant monitoring. This recipe skips the hassle.
• Super tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures juicy, flavorful bites every time.
• Minimal prep: Just 15 minutes to cube, coat, and brown the chicken.
• All-in-one meal: Pair it with rice or steamed veggies to soak up that irresistible orange glaze.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Orange Chicken

To make this orange chicken crockpot recipe, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:

• Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. If you don’t have one yet, consider models with programmable timers for ultimate convenience.
• Skillet: You’ll use this to quickly brown the chicken before it goes into the slow cooker. Non-stick or cast iron both work well.
• Ziplock Bag: For coating the chicken in cornstarch—this hack makes prep a breeze and minimizes mess.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and a couple of fresh ingredients. Here are the key players:

• Orange marmalade: The star of the show, this is what gives the dish its sweet and tangy orange flavor. Grab a jar during your next grocery trip.
• Cornstarch: This helps create a light coating on the chicken, giving it a restaurant-style texture in a slow cooker version.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and balances the sweetness of the marmalade with a touch of umami flavor. Use low-sodium if you prefer.
• Boneless chicken breasts: These cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker, but you could swap them for chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand.

Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe Details

• Servings: 4 people
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Crockpot Orange Chicken Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3/4 cup orange marmalade
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of pepper

How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken

1. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, orange marmalade, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Set this aside.
2. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cornstarch to a ziplock bag. Seal the bag and shake it until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Brown the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken cubes and cook until the outsides are golden. No need to cook them through—they’ll finish in the slow cooker.
4. Assemble in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned chicken to your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and give everything a quick stir to combine.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Pre-brown the chicken: Don’t skip the searing step—it’s what gives the chicken that perfect texture, even in a slow cooker.
• Use a slow cooker liner: Save yourself a serious dishwashing session by lining your slow cooker before adding the ingredients.
• Make extra sauce: Love extra flavor? Double the sauce ingredients so you can drizzle it over veggies or rice.
• Storage: Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

Easy Crockpot Orange Chicken Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cubed tofu and adjust the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low.
• Citrus Medley: Mix orange marmalade with a splash of lemon or lime juice for a tangier flavor twist.
• Make it crunchy: Sprinkle crispy fried wonton strips or chow mein noodles on top before serving.

Crockpot Orange Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. They’re incredibly tender and flavorful, and the cooking time remains the same.

Do I need to pre-brown the chicken?

You don’t have to, but I strongly recommend it. Browning the chicken adds a flavorful crust that makes this dish even better.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, use the saute function to brown the chicken, then pressure cook on high for 6-8 minutes with the sauce. Quick-release the pressure when done.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before the cooking time ends.

Ready to redefine your weeknight dinners? This Crockpot Orange Chicken makes it easy to serve up a cozy, homemade meal without stress. What are your favorite kitchen shortcuts? Let me know in the comments below!