Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for tender slow-cooked orange chicken that brings takeout flavor home without the mystery ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1–2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Zest of one orange
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Place the pieces in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil. Add chili if you want spice.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the orange zest on top.
- Cook on LOW for 240–300 minutes or on HIGH for 120–180 minutes until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk cornstarch with water and slowly add to the simmering sauce while stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Optional: Crisp the chicken briefly under a broiler for texture before glazing. Adjust sweetness and salt to taste after thickening the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg