Unlock The Secret: Effortless Orange Chicken Recipe In A Crock Pot For Busy Weeknights

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot, a delectable dish that combines the zesty tang of oranges with the succulent tenderness of chicken. Prepared effortlessly in your crock pot, this recipe offers a hassle-free culinary experience while delivering an explosion of flavors that will delight your palate.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

2. Cook in Crock Pot:

• Transfer the chicken mixture to your crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch mixture until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the chicken to the crock pot and pour the thickened orange sauce over it. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the orange chicken with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles, accompanied by your favorite sides.

Tips for a Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice, but the flavor will not be as vibrant.
• If you like a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch to the mixture. Just be sure to whisk it in gradually so that it doesn’t clump.
• Serve the orange chicken immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.

Variations:

• For a spicier orange chicken, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For a sweeter orange chicken, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
• If you don’t have a crock pot, you can also make this recipe in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Nutritional Information:

One serving of orange chicken (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
• Sodium: 800 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

The Ultimate Comfort Food:

Our Orange Chicken Recipe in Crock Pot is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy night in or a casual family dinner. The combination of tangy orange sauce and tender chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling warm and content.

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. How do I store leftover orange chicken?

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and sauce according to the instructions, then let it cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together until warmed through.