Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced onion, orange zest, sriracha, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. Ensure that everything is well incorporated and forms a smooth mixture.
Next, pour the vibrant sauce into your slow cooker. The wonderful aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and at this point, you can't help but feel excited about the dish you’re creating.
Then, add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker, making sure they are all coated in that luscious orange sauce. Stir gently to distribute the sauce evenly. The key here is to ensure that every piece of chicken is enveloped in flavor.
Close the lid of the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for three to four hours or LOW for six to eight hours. If you’re short on time, the HIGH setting will work wonders; just make sure to check the chicken for doneness as you approach the end of the cooking time.
As the chicken cooks, the flavors will meld beautifully, creating a mouthwatering sauce. The chicken will become tender and juicy, absorbing the sweet and tangy essence of the orange.
Once cooking is complete, take the lid off and give the chicken a gentle stir. If you find that the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, mix until smooth, and then stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on HIGH.
While waiting, prepare your serving dishes. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a medley of vegetables, so feel free to set those up.
Once done, plate the Crockpot Orange Chicken and garnish with chopped green onion and extra orange zest for a pop of color and added freshness.
Finally, serve the chicken warm over rice or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy the delightful and comforting meal you’ve just created!
