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For this delicious dish, you need these main ingredients: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated These ingredients make the chicken tender and juicy. The orange juice brings a bright flavor. The soy sauce adds depth, while honey gives it sweetness. Garlic and ginger offer a great aroma and warmth. Next, we add some key seasonings: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Sesame oil gives a rich taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. These simple seasonings build a complex taste in every bite. For the final touch, use these garnishes: - 1 orange, sliced (for garnish) - Green onions, chopped (for garnish) These garnishes add color and freshness. Sliced orange looks pretty on the plate. Chopped green onions bring a mild crunch. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. This full recipe makes a great dish for any night. Start with 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trim any excess fat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for even cooking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. The orange juice gives a bright flavor, while the honey adds sweetness. This sauce will soak into the chicken as it cooks, making it juicy and tasty. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is tender, it’s time for the next step. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot. This will thicken the sauce nicely. After 30 minutes, shred the chicken gently using two forks. Mix it back into the sauce to coat well. Serve hot, garnished with fresh orange slices and chopped green onions. Enjoy this delightful meal over steamed rice or quinoa. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To get tender chicken, start with boneless, skinless thighs. These cook well in the crockpot. Season them with salt and pepper before you add them to the pot. Cook on low for six to seven hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken juicy and soft. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for three to four hours. Just keep an eye on it. The sweetness of the sauce can be tailored. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. You can also reduce the orange juice for a stronger flavor. For a tangy twist, add a splash of vinegar. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust as needed. Balancing sweet and savory will make your dish shine. Garnishing your dish makes it look great. Use fresh orange slices for color and a sweet touch. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch. You can serve it over rice or quinoa for a full meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds also looks nice and adds flavor. Make your plate pop with these simple garnishes, and your family will be impressed. For the full recipe, check the previous section. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to meet your needs. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you're cutting sugar, try maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey. For a lighter dish, chicken breast works well too. You can also use tofu for a plant-based version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. While the crockpot is great, you can cook this meal in other ways. You can bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes. Just cover the chicken with sauce in a baking dish. You could also use a pressure cooker. Cook on high for about 10 minutes, and it will be tender. Want to take your orange chicken to the next level? Add a splash of rice vinegar for some tang. Sesame seeds can give a nice crunch on top. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil add a bright flavor too. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas to jazz it up! To keep your Crockpot orange chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture from forming inside the container. The chicken can stay in the fridge for up to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. You can freeze this chicken dish for later. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This dish will keep well for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat the orange chicken gently to keep it moist. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat in a skillet. If using an oven, set it to 350°F and heat for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of orange juice if the chicken seems dry. Enjoy your warm, flavorful dish! Cooking Crockpot Orange Chicken takes about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. This slow cooking lets the flavors mix well, making the chicken very tasty. You can check if the chicken is done by making sure it is tender and cooked through. Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just remember to cook it longer. If using frozen chicken, set your crockpot to high and cook for about 5 to 6 hours. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. This way, you can enjoy a safe and delicious meal. Crockpot Orange Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles - Salad These sides complement the sweet and tangy flavor of the chicken. For a full meal, add some fresh fruit or a light dessert. Enjoy your meal! Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details. This article covered how to make a tasty Crockpot Orange Chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, unique variations, and helpful storage tips. Remember, tender chicken starts with the right prep and sauce. Adjust flavors to fit your taste, and don’t skip the garnish for a beautiful dish. Cooking can be fun and easy, especially with these steps. Enjoy your meal and share it with friends and family for a great time together!

Crockpot Orange Chicken

Savor the flavors of this Zesty Crockpot Orange Chicken that's sure to impress! With juicy chicken thighs simmered in a delicious orange sauce, this easy recipe combines fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger for the perfect meal. Just prep, set, and let your crockpot do the work. Ready to elevate family dinners? Click through to discover this mouthwatering recipe and enjoy a delightful dish that's simple and satisfying!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1/4 cup honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 orange, sliced (for garnish)

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the bottom of the crockpot.

    Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.

      Combine: Pour the orange sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.

        Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

          Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the crockpot, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

            Serve: Shred the chicken gently using two forks and mix it into the sauce to coat.

              Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh orange slices and chopped green onions over steamed rice or quinoa.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 7 hr | Servings: 4-6