There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with warmth and an irresistible aroma. And when that meal happens to be Crockpot Orange Chicken, you know you’re in for a treat.
This recipe brings together tender, bite-sized chicken coated in a glossy, citrusy sauce with just the right balance of sweet and savory flavors—all without the hassle of deep-frying. I first tried making orange chicken at home after a takeout order left me feeling sluggish. I wanted something lighter, fresher, and just as satisfying.
This slow-cooked version delivers that crave-worthy flavor with way less effort—plus, it’s a fantastic meal-prep option for busy weeks. It pairs beautifully with Keto Cabbage Rice or a refreshing Cucumber Salad for a balanced, restaurant-quality meal at home.
The best part? The crockpot does most of the work. A simple toss of chicken in cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating that holds onto the zesty orange glaze infused with soy sauce, sesame oil, and warm ginger spice. Let it simmer low and slow, and you’ll have a dish that’s juicy, sticky, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
- It’s better than takeout: You get all the flavor without the heavy grease, plus you control the ingredients.
- Super easy for busy days: Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Healthier, but still indulgent: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients—no deep frying needed!
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch, and enjoy flavorful leftovers all week.
- The sauce is absolutely addictive: The orange marmalade adds just the right amount of sweetness, balanced by soy sauce and warm ginger spice.
Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Large skillet or pan
- Tongs or Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground ginger or to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds lightly toasted if desired (add to a dry skillet and cook over medium heat for about 30 seconds or until fragrant)
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced thin for garnishing
- orange slices optional for garnishing
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the chicken (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- Slow Cook: Add the browned chicken to the crockpot. Pour the sauce over it, stirring gently to coat.
- Set the Timer: Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is tender and coated in a thick sauce.
- Final Touches: Stir in toasted sesame seeds and garnish with green onions and optional orange slices.
- Serve & Enjoy: Pair with Keto Cabbage Rice or Cucumber Salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 359kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sugars | 32g |
| Sodium | 739mg |
Try More Flavor-Packed Crockpot Recipe!
- Crockpot Fajita Chicken
- Crockpot French Dip
- Crockpot Italian Chicken
- Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
- Crockpot BBQ Chicken
- Crockpot White Chicken Chilii
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
