Name: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
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 (optional); 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced thin for garnishing; Orange slices (optional for garnishing)

I absolutely love making this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe because it combines juicy, tender chicken with a delightfully sweet and tangy orange glaze that feels a little like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortlessly delicious and perfect for those busy days when I want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser in my home.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

One of the best parts about this dish is its incredible flavor profile. The orange marmalade delivers a natural sweetness while the soy sauce and rice wine vinegar add the perfect balance of savory and tangy notes. I also love the subtle warmth that the ground ginger and garlic bring, creating a depth of flavor that simply can’t be beat. It’s like having a classic takeout favorite made fresh with love right at home.

Ease of preparation is something I truly appreciate here. You toss the chicken in cornstarch for a light coating that gives a beautiful texture after slow cooking, then just whisk together a handful of pantry staples for the sauce. From there, the slow cooker handles the magic, allowing you to focus on other things or just kick back and relax. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy an impressive meal.

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe works wonderfully for a variety of occasions—whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or even prepping ahead for a casual weekend feast. It stands out because it’s both fuss-free and impressive, with a glaze that clings perfectly to each bite of chicken, making every mouthful a delightful experience. I can’t recommend it enough!

Ingredients You'll Need

Inside a black slow cooker, there are several raw chicken pieces covered with a shiny marinade that has visible red pepper flakes and small bits of garlic. The chicken pieces are pale pink with occasional white fat. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly simple but each plays a vital role in delivering that classic orange chicken taste and texture. From the chicken breasts that provide tender protein to the orange marmalade which offers a luscious citrus glaze, every item contributes something special.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: Divided use ensures chicken doesn’t stick and adds a gentle richness to the sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Cornstarch: Coats the chicken to give it a slightly crisp texture even after slow cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Orange marmalade: The star ingredient providing sweet and tangy citrus notes key to that orange chicken taste.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with savory umami.
Rice wine vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that completes the sauce perfectly.
Ground ginger: Introduces warmth and a bit of zest in every bite.
Garlic powder or fresh garlic: Gives a savory punch that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Sesame seeds: Lightly toasted for garnish, adding crunch and visual appeal.
Green onions: Thinly sliced and sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
Orange slices (optional): Lovely for garnish and an extra citrus touch.

Directions

Step 1: If you like easier cleanup, line your 6- or 7-quart slow cooker with a liner. Otherwise, a quick olive oil drizzle on the bottom will prevent sticking. I always find using a liner is a game changer!

Step 2: In a large sealable plastic bag, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake gently to make sure each piece is evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture. This step ensures the chicken will have a lovely texture even after slow cooking.

Step 3: Place the coated chicken evenly in the slow cooker. Getting a nice even layer helps the chicken cook consistently and soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 4: In a medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic, and the remaining olive oil. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, then use a spoon to spread the sauce so every piece is well coated.

Step 5: Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours or on low for approximately 4 hours. I start checking for doneness around 90 minutes on high or 3 hours on low to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked through. Using an instant-read thermometer, the inside should reach 165°F.

Step 6: Once cooked, spoon the chicken onto a serving plate along with as much sauce as you like. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and optional fresh orange wedges for that beautiful finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time is minimal—about 5 minutes—since most of the work happens in the slow cooker. Cooking time is roughly 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low, which means you can set it and forget it until dinner time. Altogether, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 5 minutes total. There is no resting time needed, so it’s ready to be enjoyed hot and freshly sauced as soon as your chicken hits the right temperature.

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows a slow cooker lined with clear plastic, filled with a thick, rich brown sauce covering small, tender pieces of cooked chicken. The chicken pieces are shiny and coated in the dark brown sauce that looks slightly sticky and glossy. The plastic liner crinkles around the edges of the cooker. The dish is inside a black slow cooker, with some sauce splashes visible on the plastic lining. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving, I like to pair this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers adds a crunchy contrast to the tender, saucy chicken, creating a perfect textural balance. For a little extra flair, I sometimes serve it alongside crispy egg rolls or even fluffy steamed buns when I’m feeling adventurous.

I love garnishing the finished dish with those toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions—it adds a pop of color and a delightful crunch. Bright orange slices on the side not only look stunning but also heighten the citrus aroma before you even take your first bite. Serving the dish warm enhances the glaze’s stickiness and really lets the sweet and tangy notes shine through.

For beverages, I’m a fan of pairing this dish with a dry Riesling or sparkling wine to complement the sweetness without overwhelming it. For a non-alcoholic option, a crisp ginger ale or chilled green tea works beautifully to freshen the palate. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is. If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs, there are plenty of options. For instance, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just be mindful that thighs may require a slightly different cooking time.

If you're aiming for a gluten-free version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos — I’ve done this many times with fantastic results. For a vegan twist, try using firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken, and use a plant-based soy sauce. The sauce still shines and the slow cooker does all the work turning those ingredients tender and flavorful.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a splash of fresh orange juice for a bit of brightness, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if I want a little kick. You could also finish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for an added texture. Lastly, if you don’t have a slow cooker handy, this sauce and chicken mix can be made on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat — just sauté the coated chicken until cooked through, then add the sauce and simmer until thickened.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover orange chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend using glass containers with secure lids to keep it fresh and prevent any leakage of that delicious sauce. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid sogginess and maintain the perfect texture.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe freezes very well. I like to portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It keeps its flavor and texture for up to 3 months frozen. Before freezing, allow the chicken to cool completely, then remove as much air as possible from the bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the chicken through without drying it out. Adding a splash of water or orange juice can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving works too, but I recommend doing so in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid overcooking. Avoid reheating at high heat or for too long to keep the chicken tender and retain that irresistibly sticky glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe and generally stay moister and more flavorful. Just keep in mind that thighs may take a bit longer to cook fully, so adjust your slow cooker time accordingly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can certainly make this recipe on the stovetop. After coating and cooking the chicken pieces in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through, add the orange sauce ingredients and simmer for several minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. This method gives you a quicker meal but with just as much flavor.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free alternatives. These options will give you a similar savory flavor without the gluten. Double-check that your orange marmalade and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange marmalade?

While fresh orange juice can add a nice citrus note, it won’t provide the same sweetness and thickness as orange marmalade, which acts as a glaze here. If you want to use fresh juice, consider combining it with some honey or sugar and maybe a thickener to mimic the marmalade’s texture and sweetness for the best results.

What sides pair best with Slow Cooker Orange Chicken?

I love serving this with jasmine or basmati rice so the sauce can be soaked up perfectly. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli and snap peas are also great for adding color and crunch. For more indulgent meals, fried rice or egg rolls from your favorite takeout spot also make fantastic accompaniments.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a staple, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s a deliciously easy way to bring a taste of your favorite orange chicken right into your own kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you try it, I bet it’ll find a permanent place in your meal rotation too!