Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Sesame and Green Onions
Tender chunks of chicken breast slow-cooked in a glossy orange marmalade sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This crock pot version delivers sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavors with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The cornstarch coating helps create a satisfying texture while the long, gentle cooking ensures juicy, fork-tender chicken. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for added crunch and color.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, diced into bite size pieces
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups orange marmalade
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, diced
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken pieces in a bowl and add cornstarch and pepper, tossing to coat completely
- 2
Add coated chicken to slow cooker
- 3
Whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl
- 4
Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat in crock pot
- 5
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked through
- 6
Serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions
Tips
Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooking process.
Reserve some sesame seeds and green onions for garnish to add fresh texture and visual appeal.
For thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir in during last 30 minutes.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container
Can prepare sauce mixture 1 day ahead and refrigerate
Serve over steamed rice or with vegetables
Common Mistakes
Don't skip coating chicken with cornstarch to avoid mushy texture
Don't overcook beyond 4 hours to avoid dry chicken
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 4-5 hours on low and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F before serving.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.