Simple Crockpot Orange Chicken for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more vibrant presentation, you can garnish the finished dish with thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds just before serving. These additions provide a fresh crunch and a nice contrast to the sweet and savory glaze.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking to introduce a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the marmalade.

If you find that the sauce is overly sweet, you can balance the profile by adding a teaspoon of rice vinegar or a splash of lime juice at the very end. This acidity will brighten the overall flavor and cut through the richness of the marmalade. Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning carefully, as the saltiness of different soy sauce brands can vary significantly.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add two teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a tablespoon of sriracha to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a spicy version of this classic dish.
• Orange Ginger Chicken: Incorporate one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the sauce mixture to add a bright, aromatic heat that complements the orange marmalade perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the chicken will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, try to keep the chicken and the sauce together to prevent the meat from drying out while it is kept cold.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often intensify after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire meal in advance and simply reheat it when you are ready to serve.

If you prefer to prep ahead, you can cut the chicken and store it in a sealed bag in the refrigerator, but it is best to combine all ingredients in the slow cooker just before you start the cooking cycle.

Serving ideas

Serve this orange chicken hot over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad.

The contrast between the warm, sticky chicken and the cool, fresh vegetables makes for a balanced and satisfying dining experience that is perfect for any day of the week.

When serving, consider using a shallow bowl to ensure the sauce stays with the chicken and rice. You can also spoon extra sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the portions before bringing them to the table.

If you have guests, serving the chicken family-style on a large platter with a side of rice allows everyone to take their desired portion, making for an inviting and casual dinner presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Simple Crockpot Orange Chicken for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup soy sauce

Instructions

1. Place the cut chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker vessel. Ensure the pieces are distributed evenly to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Spoon the orange marmalade over the chicken. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the surface. Pour the soy sauce over the top, ensuring it coats the ingredients well.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve warm over rice.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

6 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

38 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.