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To make Slow Cooker Sweet Tangy Orange Chicken, you need these key ingredients: - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh orange juice - ¼ cup soy sauce - ¼ cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - Cooked rice (for serving) You can add some optional ingredients to boost flavor: - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish To prepare this dish, you will need: - A slow cooker to cook the chicken - A mixing bowl to combine the sauce ingredients - A whisk for mixing the sauce - Two forks for shredding the chicken after cooking {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps the meat soak in all the tasty sauce. Make sure the chicken pieces do not overlap. This way, they cook evenly. You want every bite to be juicy and full of flavor. Next, grab a mixing bowl. In it, whisk together these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh orange juice - ¼ cup soy sauce - ¼ cup honey - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Mix until everything blends well. This sauce is what makes your chicken sweet and tangy. Pour this mixture over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully covered with the sauce. This step is crucial for the best taste. Now, cover your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred. When the time is up, check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should shred easily with two forks. This means it is ready for the next steps. To adjust the sweetness of your orange chicken, add more honey. If you want it sweeter, go for an extra tablespoon. For a spicier kick, mix in more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste the sauce. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! If the dish becomes too sweet, balance it with a splash of rice vinegar. After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This cooling helps it stay moist. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Hold one fork in each hand and pull apart the meat. Shredding is easy and quick this way. If you find it hard, try using your hands to pull the chicken apart. For a thicker sauce, use cornstarch mixed with water. First, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the sauce in your slow cooker. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes on high. This will make the sauce nice and thick. Always taste the sauce after thickening. Adjust the flavor if needed! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly compared to bottled alternatives. Chicken Thighs for Tenderness: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking as they remain juicy and tender, making shredding easy. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Conversely, for extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken thighs for other proteins. Chicken breasts work well too. They are leaner and still tasty. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Use firm tofu and press it first. This will help it absorb flavors better. You can also use shrimp or pork if you prefer. To change the flavor, try different citrus fruits. Instead of orange juice, use lime or lemon juice. Each will give a fresh twist. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander for a warm taste. If you like sweet heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. The mix of flavors can make this dish even more fun. You can cook this dish in an Instant Pot too. Just set it to cook on high for 10 minutes. Release the pressure and follow the same steps for thickening the sauce. If you prefer using the stovetop, sear the chicken first in a pan. Then, add the sauce and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender. This method is faster but still gives great results. To store leftovers safely, wait until the orange chicken cools. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air and moisture. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to store it. Squeeze out any air before sealing. The chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until hot. The sweet tangy orange chicken lasts about four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it remains good for three months. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before eating. If in doubt, throw it out. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook well in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts are leaner than thighs. This might change the texture and taste a bit. Thighs stay moist and tender, while breasts cook faster and can dry out. If you choose breasts, adjust cooking time to avoid dryness. Cook them for about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. You can serve this dish with several sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Steamed rice: It soaks up the delicious sauce. - Stir-fried veggies: Keep it colorful and healthy. - Quinoa: A nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the chicken. - Salad: A fresh side to balance the flavors. - Egg noodles: They add a fun twist to the meal. These sides make a complete meal that everyone will love. To change the heat level, you can modify the red pepper flakes. If you want it mild, skip them altogether. For some heat, start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more later. If you want more spice, consider adding fresh chili or hot sauce. Just add these in small amounts to keep it balanced. Remember to taste as you go! This blog post outlined how to make Sweet Tangy Orange Chicken in a slow cooker. We covered required ingredients, necessary equipment, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips for flavor enhancement and how to shred chicken perfectly. We also explored variations and storage tips. In conclusion, this dish is easy to customize. You can adjust flavors or try new proteins. Whether you follow the recipe or make it your own, enjoy a tasty meal!

Slow Cooker Sweet Tangy Orange Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • as needed serving cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
  • Pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken, ensuring that it's evenly coated.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
  • In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Mix well and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, allowing it to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.
  • After the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the tangy orange chicken over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve with cooked rice and garnish with green onions.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, orange chicken, slow cooker