Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken

Crockpot Orange Chicken is a slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken breasts and a sweet orange sauce. The orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil come together in a simple sauce that makes this recipe worth making. As it cooks, your kitchen will smell bright, sweet, and savory. The chicken is browned first, then the slow cooker handles most of the work. I like making this recipe on busy days when I want a warm dinner ready with rice and broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Mostly hands-off: After browning the chicken and mixing the sauce, the slow cooker does the cooking.
• Simple ingredients: Orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil create the sauce.
• Tender chicken: Bite-sized chicken breasts cook in the sauce for a soft texture.
• Complete meal: Serve it with cooked rice and steamed broccoli for an easy dinner.
• Easy to share: This recipe works well for a family meal and can be stored for later.

How To Make This Crockpot Orange Chicken

Start by browning the bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken to the slow cooker, then whisk the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. During the last hour, stir in cornstarch mixed with a little water so the sauce thickens.

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Steamed broccoli, for serving

Directions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the chicken pieces for about 5 minutes.
3. Place the browned chicken in the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
7. In the last hour of cooking, mix the cornstarch with a little water.
8. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
9. Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice with steamed broccoli.

How To Serve This Crockpot Orange Chicken

Serve Crockpot Orange Chicken over hot cooked rice so the rice can soak up the orange sauce. White rice, brown rice, or another cooked rice you already have will work well.

Add steamed broccoli on the side for a simple vegetable. You can also serve the chicken in shallow bowls with extra sauce spooned over the top.

This meal is a good choice for a weeknight dinner because the slow cooker handles most of the cooking. For a casual meal, place the rice, broccoli, and chicken on the table separately so everyone can build their own bowl.

How To Store This Crockpot Orange Chicken

Let leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken cool before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.

Keep the chicken and rice in separate containers when possible. This helps the rice keep a better texture and makes reheating easier.

Reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until hot. Add a small amount of water if the sauce seems too thick. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.

Tips For Making This Crockpot Orange Chicken

• Cut the chicken evenly: Bite-sized pieces that are close in size will cook more evenly.
• Brown before slow cooking: Browning the chicken in a skillet adds color before it goes into the slow cooker.
• Whisk the sauce well: Mix the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until combined.
• Add cornstarch near the end: Stir the cornstarch with a little water first, then add it during the last hour so the sauce can thicken.
• Watch the sauce texture: If the sauce is not as thick as you want, give it time after adding the cornstarch mixture.
• Serve right away: Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice while the dish is warm.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: As an option, use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking times in the main recipe stay the same, so check the chicken before serving.
• Add-in: For an optional vegetable change, add another steamed vegetable alongside the broccoli, such as carrots or snow peas.
• Different cooking method: You can make the sauce and chicken in a skillet instead of using a slow cooker, but the cooking process and timing will need to be adjusted.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Orange Chicken With Chicken Thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs are an option if you prefer dark meat. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they fit the recipe method.

Can I Make This Orange Chicken Ahead Of Time?

You can prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time and keep the mixture covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Brown the chicken just before adding it to the slow cooker for the best result.

Can I Freeze Crockpot Orange Chicken?

This dish can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container. For easier reheating, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the cooked rice, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I Double The Recipe?

You may double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker has enough room for the chicken and sauce. Avoid filling the cooker too full, and check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done?

The chicken should be fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Because slow cookers and chicken pieces can vary, check the largest pieces before serving.

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