Slow Cooker Orange Chicken: 3-Ingredient Magic

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Ever have those nights when you want something that tastes like takeout but don’t want to wrangle the kids into the car—or worse, wait an hour for delivery? That’s exactly when Slow Cooker Orange Chicken swoops in to save the day. It’s sweet, tangy, and has just the right kick of spice. Best of all? Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting while you get on with life.

I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has bailed me out on crazy weeknights. It’s become a regular at my house because it’s just that easy and so much better than takeout. Plus, you control what goes in, which means less grease and more wholesome goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Minimal Effort: A few minutes of prep and your slow cooker takes it from there.
Big Flavor: The orange marmalade makes it sweet and sticky, while soy sauce and garlic add that savory punch.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters tend to gobble this up (my own kids fight over the last bite).
Takeout Vibes: You get that restaurant-quality flavor without the bill or the wait time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
⅓ cup cornstarch
4 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups orange marmalade (about a 16 oz jar)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
Chopped scallions for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Making this dish is simple, but there are a few little tricks that make a big difference in flavor and texture:

Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly. Toss the chicken in a shallow dish with cornstarch until every piece is well-coated. This coating helps the chicken get that slightly crispy exterior even after slow cooking.
Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of brown. Give each side a quick sear, just enough to create a golden crust. No need to cook them all the way through—your slow cooker will finish the job.
Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread it out evenly so the sauce can coat every piece later.
Whisk the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. It should smell amazing already—sweet, savory, and just a little spicy.
Pour and Stir: Pour this glossy sauce right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently so that each piece is coated. Don’t worry if it looks a little thin—the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to LOW for 2–3 hours. Resist the urge to peek too often—lifting the lid releases heat and slows the cooking process. About halfway through, give everything a gentle stir to keep the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is sticky and rich, you’re ready to serve. Garnish with scallions and extra sesame seeds for that restaurant-worthy presentation. Spoon it generously over steamed rice, and watch it disappear!

This step-by-step process may seem detailed, but once you do it once, it’ll be second nature—and trust me, the payoff is so worth it.

Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip browning the chicken. It gives better texture and flavor.
Want it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes—or a dash of sriracha if you’re feeling bold.
Serving idea: This dish is heavenly over jasmine rice, but it’s also great with cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb.

Honestly, this recipe saved me during one of those “life is chaos” weeks. You know the kind—endless errands, a work deadline looming, and a fridge full of random ingredients that don’t go together. I threw this in the slow cooker at lunchtime, and by dinner, my family thought I had magically turned into a gourmet chef. (I didn’t correct them.)

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with sticky sweet sauce and sesame seeds in a crockpot — This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor—better than takeout and so easy to make!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly. But if frozen is your only option, increase the cooking time slightly.

Can I swap the orange marmalade?

Yes! You can try apricot preserves for a different fruity twist.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely—brown the chicken, whisk the sauce, and refrigerate both separately. When ready, just dump it all in the slow cooker.

Dinner Made Simple

Next time you’re craving that sweet-and-savory takeout flavor without the hassle, this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken will be your hero. It’s cozy, flavorful, and practically cooks itself. Your house will smell like a delicious orange-scented hug, and your family will think you pulled off a miracle—no delivery menu required!

The best part is that it works for so many occasions—weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Leftovers taste just as good the next day (if not better). Once you’ve made it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a staple. So dust off that slow cooker, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as easy as it is impressive.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

Looking for more easy and flavor-packed meals like this one? Here are some delicious options to add to your weekly menu:

Try the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken for another sweet and savory chicken dish with a little Southern flair.
If you’re craving hearty comfort food, Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks is a family favorite that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
For a flavorful beef option, Crockpot Beef and Broccoli gives you all the takeout vibes with minimal effort.
Want a lighter, creamy chicken dinner? You’ll love Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken for a cozy and satisfying meal.

If you loved this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with friends or family who could use an easy weeknight win. And if you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to subscribe to get more cozy, stress-free slow cooker recipes delivered right to your inbox!