• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • One Pot
  • Meal Prep
  • Asian
  • 30 Minute Meal
  • Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
  • Keto / Low Carb
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
  • Cookbook
  • Work With Me
    • Press & Features
  • Privacy Policy
    • Nutritional Disclaimer
  • Instagram
↑

Life Made Sweeter

Healthy & Delicious Recipes to sweeten up your life

  • Meal Prep
  • Low Carb/Keto
  • One Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Instant Pot
  • Asian Dishes

Get it for free!Our Healthier Than Takeout Ebook!

Subscribe to the newsletter to get the latest recipe updates and our ebook!

Thank you! Check your email for a confirmation link. Add [email protected] to your email contacts so that you don't miss it. Once you confirm, you'll receive a link to download the printable!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken {+ Instant Pot}

2/20/15

This post may contain affiliate links. We receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using our links. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

4451shares
  • Facebook118
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest4333
  • Email
Jump to Recipe

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken makes the perfect easy weeknight meal. Best of all, it’s so simple to whip up in your crock-pot or Instant Pot pressure cooker. Great for Sunday meal prep for work lunch bowls & better than the local Chinese restaurant takeout!

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken covered in sesame seeds and green onions on a bed of white rice in a small white bowl.
 

 PIN HERE for later and follow my {Slow Cooker}  AND {Asian Inspired} Pinterest boards,

Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese takeout recipe that is well loved around here. It’s a family favorite along with this Kung Pao Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken, It’s another copy-cat recipe that is so much healthier than PF Changs – and the best part of all? You can make it in your slow cooker or your Instant Pot pressure cooker.

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is super simple and easy to whip up.

It’s full of bright citrus flavors with a sweet and savory flavor-packed sauce. Making it at home means you can skip the stop at that local greasy takeout restaurant! Plus, it’s healthier and you get to customize the flavors.

HOW TO MAKE ORANGE CHICKEN

  1. You’re going to start off with some cubed chicken that you coat in a little bit of cornstarch. For a crispier texture, pan-fry it on the stove for a couple minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s an extra step but makes a HUGE difference!

Cooking cubed chicken in a silver skillet.

CAN I SKIP BROWNING THE CHICKEN?

Yes, absolutely. If you want to keep things simple, you can certainly just add the chicken directly to the crock-pot without browning it. I’ve made this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe both ways and they are still lip smacking-ly delicious!

Pouring orange chicken sauce into slow cooker with cooked chicken.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO YOU MAKE FOR THE ORANGE CHICKEN SAUCE?

The authentic tasting sauce! Oh my goodness! Totally my favorite part of this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken! It’s wonderfully sweet and tangy with bright citrus flavors!

Made with orange juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, some cider vinegar and fresh garlic and ginger. It will make your house smell AMAZING while it simmers away in the slow cooker.

Serve your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken along with some veggies or over a bed of your favorite rice or noodles and you’ve got a complete meal without having to order takeout ❤

Instant pot Orange Chicken on a bed of white rice in a small white bowl surrounded by sliced oranges.

Make ahead tips for this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Recipe

  • cube the chicken beforehand and store in a ziptop freezer bag in the fridge
  • mix the sauce together the night before and store in a mason jar or an airtight container

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken in meal prepping containers with broccoli, white rice, orange slices and red bell peppers.

Weekly meal prep-tips for your school or work lunch bowls

    • Delicious for leftovers or make a batch on Sunday meal prep and pack for your weekly school or work lunch bowls. I love these meal prep containers.
    • Serve with your favorite side – Jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables or zoodles
    • Add your favorite roasted or stir-fried vegetables to your lunch bowls – I used broccoli and red bell peppers
    • For easier weekly meal prep – chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store in an airtight container the night before – I use this lunch container

More lunch bowls:

General Tso’s Chicken Lunch Bowls

Chicken Chow Mein Lunch Bowls

Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Lunch Bowls

Chicken Lo Mein Lunch Bowls

Cashew Chicken Lunch Bowls

Kung Pao Chicken Lunch Bowls

Asian Lemon Chicken Lunch Bowls

Honey Lime Chicken with Asparagus Lunch Bowls

Shrimp Teriyaki Zoodles

Meal prepping container with simple Orange Chicken with red bell peppers, sliced oranges, sesame seeds and white rice.

For a meatless version, the sauce is awesome with extra firm tofu (roasted or raw) and cauliflower. Just toss them into the slow cooker with the sauce and cook everything for an hour less than the directed time.

 

5 from 2 votes
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken makes the perfect easy weeknight meal. Best of all, it's so simple to whip up and so much better than your local restaurant takeout!
Print
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
5 hrs 10 mins
Total Time
5 hrs 25 mins
 

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is simple to whip up with a sweet and tangy citrus sauce and is way easier than take-out! You can even make it in an Instant Pot pressure cooker!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: Instant Pot, orange chicken, slow cooker, slow cooker recipes meat
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 493 kcal
Author: Kelly
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil
Sauce:
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth can substitute with vegetable broth
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce can substitute with gluten free tamari or coconut aminos for paleo-friendly version
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar can substitute with coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed from 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest from 1 large orange
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated or minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha or red pepper chili flakes optional or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Cornstarch Slurry:
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
Toppings
  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onion thinly sliced
For Lunch Bowls:
  • cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles
  • roasted or stir-fried vegetables
  • lunch containers
Instructions
  1. In a large zip-top bag, toss in the chicken, cornstarch salt, and black pepper. Shake until well-coated. Set aside.
  2. Make the sauce In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce, set aside.
For Slow Cooker Method:
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You can skip this stove-top step if you prefer or are in a pinch. Just add chicken directly to slow cooker. Chicken will not have that crispy coating) Cook chicken (in batches) about 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. (You may have to cook in batches) Transfer chicken into the slow cooker and pour sauce over chicken.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 - 4 hours or HIGH for 1.5 - 3 hours. (SEE NOTES)
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened up. (if your slow cooker is not hot enough to thicken the sauce - pour sauce into a pot and heat on the stovetop on high to thicken the sauce or you can just skip the cornstarch slurry instead)
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions and serve over rice, quinoa or zoodles, if desired.
For Instant Pot Method:
  1. Turn Instant Pot to SAUTE (skip this step and just cook on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) for 5 minutes if you are in a pinch or prefer. The chicken won't have that crispy coating.) Allow pan to heat up for a few minutes then add oil. Cook chicken in batches (placing the browned chicken on a paper-towel lined plate) about 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Once all the chicken is browned, add back to the Instant Pot and pour sauce over top.
  2. Close and seal Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
  3. Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (high) and set for 3 minutes. Once the 3 minutes is up and the Instant Pot beeps, allow to naturally release for 15-20 minutes. Open the lid and press the SAUTE button. Combine the cornstarch with water and stir into the Instant Pot. Cook and allow the sauce to bubble and thicken up.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions and serve over rice, quinoa or zoodles, if desired
For Meal Prep:
  1. Prepare your favorite carb (rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, roasted potatoes, rice noodles) and add to containers. Divide chicken among containers and add your favorite roasted or stir-fried vegetables.
Recipe Notes

The sauce doubles easily if you need to make a larger batch. ***If your slow cooker runs hot, be sure to check on chicken earlier as it may cook faster than the suggested cooking times. ***This dish can easily be made with cubed extra firm tofu (roasted or unroasted) and cauliflower florets. Just cook for an hour less than you would the chicken. Mine were done cooked on HIGH at an hour and 2 hours on low.

Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/4 recipe; chicken only))
Calories 493 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 108mg36%
Sodium 1226mg51%
Potassium 840mg24%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Sugar 38g42%
Protein 38g76%
Vitamin A 125IU3%
Vitamin C 22.1mg27%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More slow cooker favorites:

Healthier Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken

Healthier Slow Cooker Kung Pao Chicken in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

Skinny Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Lo Mein Noodles {Crock-pot} + NEW VIDEO

Did you try this recipe?

I'd love to see! Just snap a photo and hashtag it #LIFEMADESWEETER or tag me @lifemadesweeter on Instagram

Free Low Carb / Keto Recipes E-Book!

Sign up now to get a FREE low carb / Keto-friendly recipe e-book, plus access to subscriber exclusives!

Thank you! Check your email for a confirmation link. Add [email protected] to your email contacts so that you don't miss it. Once you confirm, you'll receive a link to download the printable!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Posted February 20, 2015 In Asian, Chicken, Chinese, Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker, Lunch Bowls - Work / School, Meal Prep, Recipes, Slow Cooker Meals

Remember to subscribe to the Life Made Sweeter newsletter to receive exclusive recipes, tips and giveaways delivered to your inbox!

Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook , Instagram and Twitter for all of the latest updates, recipes and content.

DISCLAIMER: Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.



Comments

  1. Diedre -

    June 29, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite slow cooker recipe. thank you for all of your hard work!

    Reply
  2. Theresa -

    January 9, 2018 at 12:16 am

    I made this in the instant pot tonight. It was a hit all around!! It was delicious and perfect. I added steamed broccoli to top it off. Yum!! Definite keeper!!

    Reply
  3. Melissa -

    July 26, 2017 at 6:29 am

    5 stars
    This is my favorite! So delicious

    Reply
  4. Rachelle -

    February 25, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Hi Kelly, I thought I would let you know that I made your orange chicken on Sunday. It was so easy and delicious! Thanks!

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I'm Kelly. I'm a mom of two who shares healthier and authentic Asian recipes I grew up making. Plus low carb & family friendly recipes. About Work With Me

Recipe Key

  • OPOne Pan
  • LCLow Carb
  • DFDairy Free
  • GFGluten Free
  • VVegetarian
  • FFFreezer Friendly
  • PPaleo
  • SCSlow Cooker
  • 3030 Minutes
  • PCPressure Cooker

Disclosure:

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Disclosure Policy

Collaborate

  • About
  • Contact
  • Cookbook
  • Press & Features
  • Privacy and Disclosure Policy

Recipe Categories

  • Meal Prep
  • Keto / Low Carb
    • Ketogenic Diet Guide
  • Instant Pot
  • Asian
  • One Pan
    • Gluten Free
  • Slow Cooker
  • Instagram

Latest Recipes

  • Linzer Cookies – Paleo | Keto | Vegan | Low Carb
  • Peanut Butter Blossoms – Low Carb | Gluten-Free | Keto
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cookies – GF | Keto | Low Carb | Paleo
  • Chocolate Turtles – Keto | Paleo | Low Carb | Dairy-Free

COPYRIGHT ©2019 Life Made Sweeter. Site By Pixel Me Designs.
  • Keto / Low Carb

Join the community and never miss a recipe.

Subscribe now and receive a free eBook, low-carb meal plans, cooking tips and exclusive content right in your inbox.

Thank you! Check your email for a confirmation link. Add [email protected] to your email contacts so that you don't miss it. Once you confirm, you'll receive a link to download the printable!

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

[close]
Brought to you by
Displet
This site uses cookies to help provide the best user experience. Find out more.