Orange Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken
Infuse your dinner routine with vibrant citrusy flair by trying this irresistible Orange Slow Cooker Crock Pot Chicken. Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmer slowly in a tangy-sweet orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and aromatic ginger and garlic. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, requiring just 10 minutes of prep before your slow cooker takes over. The sauce thickens beautifully with a simple cornstarch slurry, creating a luscious glaze that clings to every bite. Garnished with bright green onions and optional sesame seeds, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or alongside crispy vegetables for a wholesome, family-friendly meal packed with bold, citrus-inspired flavors. Ideal for fans of easy crock pot recipes, this one is sure to become a go-to comfort food favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, your preference)
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 stalks green onions (sliced for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil.
Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the orange sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it carefully from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon the thickened sauce over it, and allow it to warm through for a few minutes.
Serve the orange chicken garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
508 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.8 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.8 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 705 mg | 31% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.4 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.1 g | ||
| Protein | 38.8 g | 78% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 48 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 659 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
