Crockpot Orange Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of takeout right to your kitchen. With tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners. Just set it and forget it—your crockpot does all the work!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you try this Crockpot Orange Chicken? It’s simple! This recipe not only saves time but also delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort. Plus, who doesn’t love the bright, refreshing flavor of orange? It’s a hit with the whole family and makes for great leftovers too!
How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 cup sweet orange marmalade
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooked rice (for serving)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the orange sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
How to Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken
Serve your Crockpot Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. The sauce is packed with flavor, so a side of steamed vegetables would also pair nicely to complete the meal! Don’t forget to sprinkle on some chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
How to Store Crockpot Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day! You can also freeze it for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you like it spicy, add a dash of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños!
- Make sure to shred the chicken while it’s in the crockpot—it helps soak up more sauce.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with different proteins! Try using chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option or swap in tofu for a delicious vegetarian take on this recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time if using frozen chicken.
2. Can I use other types of marmalade?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon or lime marmalade for a different twist!
3. Is it okay to cook on high?
Yes, cooking on high is fine, but low and slow is always better for tenderness! If you’re in a hurry, high works great too!
