Craving that sweet and tangy flavor of takeout orange chicken, but without the hassle of deep frying or lengthy prep? Let me show you how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! This fuss-free recipe uses just three simple ingredients, and the result is a rich, sticky sauce coating perfectly tender chicken. It’s the kind of comfort food that lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting—so dinner can basically cook itself while you live your life.
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Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the Crockpot
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: You won’t believe how rich and bold the taste is when you learn how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! Just three ingredients transform into a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot .
- Budget-Friendly and Time-Saving: This meal is made with pantry staples—perfect for when your fridge is bare but your cravings are loud. Plus, it cooks while you’re at work or wrangling kids or binge-watching your favorite series.
If you’re a fan of easy Crockpot dinners, you’ll also love this Crock Pot Pizza Casserole for another simple weeknight option.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps. This Crockpot classic is ready to play nice with whatever’s on your plate.
Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the Crockpot
Here’s what you’ll need to master how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! These pantry-friendly items come together with almost no effort for a weeknight win:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s or similar)
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 to 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce (optional, but it adds lovely umami depth)
That’s it—no flouring, frying, or fancy marinades. Just real ingredients and real comfort in a bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up, here’s exactly how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! This process is as easy as it gets, with just a few minutes of prep and a lot of flavor payoff.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and allows the sauce to soak into every bite.
Step 2: Combine the Sauces
In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce (if using). Stir well until it becomes one smooth, tangy mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, stir the chicken to coat evenly in that glossy orange sauce. Serve it hot over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
If you’re on a low-carb plan, check out this keto-friendly comfort food that’s just as satisfying.
Helpful Tips for the Best 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the Crockpot
If you’re figuring out how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! like a true kitchen pro, these tips will elevate your results from good to absolutely irresistible:
- Avoid Overcooking: Every slow cooker is a little different. Check the chicken at the 5-hour mark on low to make sure it’s still juicy, not dry.
- Add a Kick: Love spice? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha into the sauce mix for a sweet-heat balance.
And if you’re into wellness hacks, try this hydration-boosting pink salt trick alongside your meal.
- Sauce Too Thin? Let the lid stay off for the last 30 minutes of cooking, and the sauce will thicken as it reduces.
3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the Crockpot: Best Easy Recipe for Busy Nights
Craving the sweet and tangy taste of takeout orange chicken without the mess of frying? This 3 ingredient orange chicken in the Crockpot delivers bold, sticky flavor with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples like barbecue sauce and orange marmalade, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food no deep fryer required
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup barbecue sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 cup orange marmalade
(Optional) 1–2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Place cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crockpot.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce (if using). Mix well.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
Step 5: Stir before serving to coat the chicken in sauce. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on LOW)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Chinese / Takeout-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup cooked chicken
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken in the Crockpot
Now that you know how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot!, it’s time to plate it like a pro. This dish pairs beautifully with both classic and low-carb sides.
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: A fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas bring crunch and color to your plate.
- Noodles: Try lo mein or even ramen for a slurp-worthy combo.
- Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb option if you’re watching your carbs but still want all the flavor.
Or pair it with this flavorful low-carb veggie side made in the Instant Pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve learned how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! but still curious about a few details? Here are answers to the most common questions:
Q1: Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?
Low is usually best for even cooking and juicy results, especially with boneless chicken breasts.
Q2: Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes. It’s completely safe—just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Q3: What are the three ingredients in orange chicken sauce?
Barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce make up the classic trio in this recipe.
Q4: Can you use orange juice in a slow cooker?
You can, but it’s thinner than marmalade, so the sauce won’t be as sticky or sweet.
Q5: What is the main ingredient in orange chicken?
Chicken, of course! The sauce brings the flavor, but the chicken is the star.
Q6: What are the 3 main sauces?
In this version: barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, and soy sauce.
Storage & Maintenance
Now that you’ve mastered how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot!, let’s keep those leftovers tasting fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make orange chicken in the Crockpot! proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With only three ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers takeout-level flavor straight from your slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a cozy, time-saving win.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, savory, and satisfying—let your crockpot do the work. This 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken is sure to make it into your regular dinner rotation.
