Looking for a cozy and flavorful dinner that’s ridiculously easy to throw together? This Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is a go-to favorite in our home—and it only takes 6 simple ingredients! Made with BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and chicken thighs, it’s a slow cooker meal that’s both comforting and bold in flavor. If your family loves Chinese orange chicken or Panda Express favorites, they’ll devour this sweet and savory dinner recipe.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just want a stress-free dinner idea, this is one of the best orange chicken recipes to have in your weekly rotation. This easy recipe will have you hooked for weekly meals!
This is an easy and tasty chicken dinner that is one of our family favorites. I know your family and kids will love it because it’s BBQ chicken with a sweet twist! You can start the crock pot in the afternoon and by dinner time, you have a delicious meal! We usually serve up the orange chicken with brown rice and veggies to complete the meal.
🛒 Ingredients
- 3/4 cup BBQ Sauce – We love Sweet Baby Ray’s for its bold, smoky flavor
- 3/4 cup Orange Marmalade – Try Trader Joe’s Orange Marmalade or one with tangerine peel for a more citrusy kick
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 package Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – We prefer dark meat for juicier, more tender results
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 Tbsp Sriracha Sauce (optional, for a spicier version)
- Optional add-ins: Chopped onions, bell peppers, or a bit of orange zest for extra flavor
🥣 How to Make Crockpot Orange Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chicken pieces. Turn your Crockpot to medium heat and place the chicken in. Let it cook for about 1 hour — no water is needed, as the chicken will cook in its own juices.
Step 2: After one hour, drain most of the liquid from the crockpot. In a small bowl, stir together BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce. Add red pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce if you like it spicy. You can also mix in onions, bell peppers, or even a little bit of fresh orange juice or orange zest for a brighter orange flavor.
Step 3: Pour the sweet orange sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook on medium or high for another 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Want to set it and forget it? You can cook the chicken for 1 hour on high in the morning (then drain) and switch to low after adding the sauce so it can simmer all day.
Note: You can also make this recipe in the pressure cooker. We suggest cooking the chicken on the settings for chicken on the pressure cooker, then adding the sauce afterwards for a few additional minutes to keep the sauce on the thicker side.
🍽️ What to Serve With Orange Chicken
- Brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots
- Noodles like chow mein turns this recipe into Chinese food at home.
This makes a perfect Chinese takeout-inspired meal at home!
🔁 Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for future meals.
💡 Expert Tips for Best Results for Orange Chicken Fans
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender meat. If you are going for a more healthy orange chicken, use white chicken meat.
- Add green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving
- Want a bit more zing? For a more tangy sauce, try adding a splash of rice vinegar, lemon juice, fresh ginger, or garlic powder to the sauce ingredients
- For a thicker consistency, add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking
- If you want a crispy coating, coat chicken in corn starch, sear briefly in olive oil or avocado oil, then add to the slow cooker
Want the Fried Chicken version? Here’s How to Make Easy Orange Crispy Chicken
To turn this copycat recipe into a crispy chicken recipe, you can use the same tangy orange sauce as the one above, but use our fried chicken recipe first and then pour the homemade orange sauce on top. Here are the simple steps:
1. In a shallow bowl, add egg whites and a little rice wine vinegar. Prepare boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs by cutting into cubes.
2. Heat vegetable oil or peanut oil in a tall pot. Prepare a paper towel-lined plate and a wire rack if desired.
3. You can also use a deep fryer. Just make sure to turn the heat to medium-high heat so you have hot oil before putting the chicken cubes into the oil.
4. In a medium bowl, add all purpose flour.
5. Dip the chicken cubes into the egg mixture, and then place in the bowl of flour to coat completely. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some brown sugar onto the chicken cubes.
6. Use a heat proof metal spoon with holes to lower some of the chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2-5 minutes. Cook the chicken cubes in small batches if doing deep frying.
7. Take the chicken cubes out and place on the wire rack or paper towel lined plate to cool.
8. Add the chicken into a large bowl and add the orange chicken sauce on top. You can turn it into sesame chicken easily by sprinkling some sesame seeds on top. You’ve made your own orange chicken!
💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy dinners with minimal prep, this homemade orange chicken recipe is sure to become a staple. It has all the delicious flavor of the sauce you’d expect from Chinese restaurants, but with the ease of a slow cooker meal.
📌 Pin this recipe to your dinner ideas board, or tag us @sweetiepieandcupcakes when you make it—we’d love to see your creations!
Want more easy recipes? Try these next:
Print the recipe for the easy orange chicken cooked in the Crockpot:
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Cut chicken into cubes. Turn Crock pot to Medium and add the chicken in. Allow to cook for about 1 hour. No water is needed. The chicken will cook in it's own juices.
- After an hour, drain most of the juice and add 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, 3/4 cup Orange Marmalade, and 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce. If you would like your easy orange chicken a little more spicy, then add the chili pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce at this time. Also feel free to add chopped onions and bell peppers if desired.
- Cook on medium or high for another 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked all the way through. You can also cook the chicken for an hour on high in the morning (then drain) and then add the sauces and turn to low to allow to simmer for the whole day. Enjoy!
Notes
Crockpot Slow Cooker
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Let us know how it was!