Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken – Quick, Sweet, and Savory Dinner

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken is your next dinner hero. It’s got everything a busy cook needs—easy prep, bold flavors, and a slow cooker that does the heavy lifting. Between soccer practice, late Zoom meetings, and trying to remember if laundry was ever folded (it wasn’t), this dish is pure gold.

Packed with sweet and savory orange sauce, tender chunks of chicken, and a kick of garlic and ginger—it’ll have your kitchen smelling better than takeout ever could. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or a hangry partner, this is one of those magical meals where everyone ends up happy (and full). Plus, with minimal cleanup and mostly pantry staples, Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken deserves a permanent spot on your weekly dinner rotation.

Table of Contents

What is Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken?

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken is a cozy, slow-cooked version of the classic orange chicken you might order from your favorite Chinese takeout spot—but without the deep fryer or mystery ingredients. The dish features lightly browned chicken bites coated in cornstarch, simmered in a sweet-tangy orange marmalade sauce spiked with soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

It’s all tossed into the slow cooker, which does the rest of the work—leaving you free to live your life (or at least pretend you have it together). Unlike the fried version, this is lighter, more budget-friendly, and way easier to clean up. Perfect for tossing over rice, it’s comfort food with a citrus twist—zesty, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying.

Reasons to Try Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

If you’re in the “I need dinner, but I also need a nap” club, Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken is your new best friend. First, it’s ridiculously easy. Brown the chicken real quick, dump the sauce in, and forget about it. The slow cooker works its magic while you do literally anything else. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s picky toddlers, a hangry partner, or even your in-laws. The sweet orange flavor hits just right, with a little heat to keep things interesting.

Third, it’s cost-effective and uses pantry staples you probably already have (hello, marmalade from that fancy cheese night). And finally, it’s healthier than takeout. You control the ingredients and sodium. For those craving a big flavor without the big mess, this recipe is a no-brainer.

Ingredients Needed to Make Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
  For the orange sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (16 oz jar)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  For serving:
• Additional sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions to Make Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a five-star takeout spot without ever picking up the phone? Follow this step by step guide to create the most mouthwatering Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken using simple ingredients and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just trying not to burn dinner (we’ve all been there), these detailed instructions will guide you every step of the way.

Step 1: Cut and Coat the Chicken

Start by grabbing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders. Using a sharp knife, cut them into small, bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch each. This size is ideal for even cooking and gives every piece the perfect amount of sauce coverage.

Next, pour 1/3 cup of cornstarch into a shallow dish or large bowl. Toss the chicken pieces into the cornstarch, using your hands or a spoon to make sure each piece is fully coated. This step creates a light crust on the chicken once browned, helping it hold onto the orange sauce later. If you’re looking for alternative coatings or need a gluten-free option, check out our ingredient substitution guide for helpful swaps.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil starts shimmering (not smoking), carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

Brown each side of the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until golden. You’re not cooking it all the way through at this point—just giving it a gorgeous crispy edge. This step adds depth and a little texture you’ll miss if you skip it.

Once all the chicken is browned, use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer it directly into your 6-quart slow cooker. If you love recipes that begin with this kind of sizzle, try our Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas next.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Orange Sauce

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following to make your homemade orange sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (look for one with orange peel for extra zing)
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Whisk it all together until smooth and glossy. This sauce is the soul of the dish—sweet, tangy, a little spicy, and full of umami flavor. Give it a taste! Want more heat? Add extra red pepper. Want more brightness? A splash more vinegar will do. If you’re new to balancing flavors like this, check out our quick seasoning tips to feel more confident in the kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce in the Crockpot

Pour the freshly whisked orange sauce over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir everything together. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the sauce—you want every bite to soak up that citrusy glaze.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW heat. This slow simmering process allows all the flavors to marry beautifully without drying out the chicken.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender and Saucy

Let the chicken cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. About halfway through (around the 1-hour mark), give everything a gentle stir to prevent sticking and make sure the sauce is evenly distributed.

When it’s done, the chicken should be fork-tender and bathed in a thick, shiny glaze that clings to every piece. If the sauce looks too thin at the end, you can leave the lid off for the last 20 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) to thicken things up. Want to learn more about perfecting sauces? We cover this in our creamy mushroom bisque tutorial too.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the dish with additional sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. These simple garnishes add the perfect finishing touch.

Serve your Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles. It’s also delicious with a side of roasted veggies or herbed potato rolls if you’re in a cozy mood.

What to Serve with Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

You’ve got this saucy, flavorful orange chicken ready—now what? Start with a bed of fluffy steamed white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that sticky goodness. Craving veggies? Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add crunch and balance the sweetness of the dish. Want something more cozy? A bowl of our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup pairs surprisingly well if you’re doing a two-dish dinner night. For a fresh side, try a crisp Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple Salad—its tart apple and feta combo adds a refreshing contrast. And of course, no one’s stopping you from tossing some frozen spring rolls in the oven for an easy app.

Key Tips for Making Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

Don’t skip the browning step—it gives the chicken a better texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, yes, you can skip it, but we promise it’s worth those extra 10 minutes. Use orange marmalade, not orange jam—marmalade has the peel, which gives this dish its signature zesty tang. Craving more heat? Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha. Want to thicken the sauce more? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Finally, always taste the sauce before pouring it into the slow cooker. Every marmalade brand is different—if it’s too sweet, balance it with a splash more vinegar or soy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

Got leftovers? You’re winning. Store cooled Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion it out with rice into freezer-safe containers for ready-made meals. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying it out. If you’re going stovetop, heat gently over low with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Don’t forget to give it another sprinkle of fresh scallions or sesame seeds before serving—it brings the flavors back to life. And pro tip: it’s even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to hang out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay super juicy in the crockpot.

What if I don’t have orange marmalade?
Try using apricot preserves in a pinch—it won’t be the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
You can! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then pressure cook for 5 minutes on high with a quick release. Simmer on sauté at the end to thicken the sauce.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! You can skip the red pepper flakes if your little ones are spice-sensitive. The sweet sauce usually wins them over.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken is a go-to in so many kitchens. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but tasty enough for a weekend dinner with guests. Plus, it’s practically foolproof. Toss it in the slow cooker, kick back (or, let’s be real, tackle your to-do list), and let dinner take care of itself. Want more cozy, satisfying recipes like this one? Try our Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas next!

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print