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Delicious Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken garnished with green onions

Asian Crockpot Orange Chicken

A comforting and impressive slow-cooked dish featuring juicy chicken thighs in a glossy, citrus-kissed sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Comfort Food
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat Use boneless for easy shredding, or bone-in for deeper flavor.
Citrus and Sweeteners
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice Avoid concentrates for freshness.
  • ¼ cup honey Maple syrup is a fine substitute.
Savory and Umami
  • ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free.
Aromatics
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Fresh garlic lends the best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated Ground ginger can be used but in lesser amounts.
Thickener and Finishing Oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Arrowroot is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil For a nutty finish.
Seasoning and Garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Go light on salt initially.
  • Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish For texture and flavor.

Method
 

Prepare the orange sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Arrange the chicken
  1. Place the chicken thighs in a single or slightly overlapping layer in the slow cooker. Pour the orange mixture evenly over the chicken.
Slow-cook to tender perfection
  1. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours depending on your schedule.
Shred the chicken in the sauce
  1. Remove the thighs to a cutting board or shred them directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
Taste, finish, and serve
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt or a splash more soy if needed. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a saucier dish, increase orange juice by 1/4 cup and adjust cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons. Chicken thighs freeze well before cooking; portion into meal-sized bags. For a lower-sugar version, reduce honey to 2 tablespoons.