Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Busy weeknights call for meals that cook themselves, and this Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken does exactly that. Tender chicken simmers in a bright citrus sauce balanced with garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness. The aroma alone transforms your kitchen into a cozy, simmering haven. This recipe delivers the nostalgic flavors of classic takeout orange chicken without the deep frying or heavy breading. With minimal prep and a slow-cooked finish, it’s a reliable, wholesome dinner that tastes gourmet without the effort.

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken Recipe

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

3–4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW

Total Time:

6 hours 10 minutes

Servings:

6

Calories:

365 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add the chicken pieces to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
4. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and mix it with the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
6. Stir the slurry back into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

This Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is easy to customize:

• Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Low Sugar: Replace honey with 2 tbsp monk fruit syrup.
• Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs for a richer, juicier texture.
• Vegan Option: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or cauliflower and cook for 2–3 hours on LOW.
• Citrus Variation: Mix orange juice with a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical spin.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• For deeper flavor, sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
• Fresh orange zest intensifies the citrus aroma don’t skip it.
• Add the slurry only at the end to prevent clumping and ensure proper thickening.
• Let the finished chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

This dish is meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully.

• Make Ahead: Combine the sauce ingredients up to 48 hours in advance.
• Refrigerator: Store cooked orange chicken for 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring to prevent hot spots.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Thin Sauce: Add additional cornstarch slurry in small increments.
• Too Sweet: Balance with a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce.
• Chicken Drying Out: Use thighs or shorten cooking time on HIGH.
• Sauce Too Bitter: Reduce zest or choose sweeter oranges.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Baked Honey Garlic Cod (Easy 20-Minute Dinner)
  

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

This Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken is tender, sweet, and zesty with a bright citrus-ginger sauce made right in your slow cooker—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 365

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken & Sauce

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Slurry & Garnish

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp water cold, for slurry
• 2 tbsp green onions sliced, for garnish
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Add the chicken pieces to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove about 1/2 cup of the hot cooking liquid to a small bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry.
6. Stir the slurry back into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and turned glossy.
7. Serve the Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also adjust the sweetness or tang by adding more honey or rice vinegar to taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw first for even cooking and food safety.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Increase sauce by 50% to ensure full coverage.

Is this spicy?

Only mildly. Omit red pepper flakes for a completely mild version.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh provides better flavor and brightness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and simmer until glossy.

Can I make this recipe without honey?

Swap in maple syrup or brown sugar to achieve similar sweetness.

Conclusion

If you love takeout-style orange chicken but prefer a lighter, easier version, this Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken will become a weekly staple. It’s flavorful, family-friendly, and effortless. Let the slow cooker do the work, then enjoy a vibrant meal that satisfies every time. Try it tonight and explore more comfort dishes in our growing recipe collection.