Say goodbye to takeout! crockpot orange chicken recipe for busy weeknights

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade orange chicken without breaking a sweat! Our effortless crockpot recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delectable dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the chicken: Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
4. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Transfer to the crockpot: Place the fried chicken in the crockpot. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
6. Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully heated through.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, fry it for a few extra minutes.
• If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can substitute with apricot or pineapple preserves.
• Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Spicy orange chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili powder to the sauce.
• Honey orange chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter sauce.
• Teriyaki orange chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce in the sauce.

Health Benefits of Orange Chicken

While orange chicken is not necessarily a health food, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is a lean protein that helps build and repair muscle.
• Vitamin C: Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Potassium: Oranges and soy sauce provide potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

In a nutshell:

Our crockpot orange chicken recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your craving for Chinese takeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Q: How do I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: What are some other sides that go well with orange chicken?
A: In addition to rice or noodles, orange chicken can be served with steamed vegetables, fried rice, or egg rolls.