Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw
Try this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw recipe.
- 1 clove garlic minced
- freshly ground black pepper
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
- 2 t. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. soy sauce
- 2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 1 t. olive oil
- 1 t. honey
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 3 pieces each
- 1 c. orange marmalade
- 3/4 c. freshly squeezed orange juice from about 3 large oranges, divided
- zest from 3 large oranges divided
- 1/4 c. trader joe's general tsao stir fry sauce (or su
- 1 c. chopped red onion
- 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 t. minced fresh ginger
- fresh orange slices
- 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
- 2 t. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/8 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 t. minced fresh ginger
- 2 c. thinly sliced fresh vegetables - i like to use red bell pepper, and red onion, plus a little bit of minced fresno chile pepper
- Carbohydrate 3.460449375 g
- Cholesterol 213.1884139 mg
- Fat 8.819378935 g
- Fiber 0.75502376674811 g
- Protein 65.3522066043333 g
- Saturated Fat 2.16400729033333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (334g)
- Sodium 229.840176233333 mg
- Sugar 2.70542560825189 g
- Trans Fat 1.655900724 g
- Calories 371 calories
Step-by-step
- Place chicken thighs and breast pieces in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the marmalade, 1/2 cup of the orange juice, the zest from 2 oranges, soy sauce, stir fry sauce, olive oil, sesame oil, onion, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour over the chicken and gently combine to coat the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, stirring a couple times to incorporate.
- Use a tongs or large spoon to remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker to a cutting board.
- With two forks, shred the chicken into bite size pieces. The chicken should be very tender.
- Transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Return the shredded chicken to the warm slow cooker.
- Bring liquid in saucepan to a boil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of orange juice with the cornstarch, and then whisk the orange slurry into the boiling liquid.
- Cook until the liquid reduces a bit and thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining orange zest and then pour sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Serve orange chicken over rice with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, fresh orange wedges for squeezing over the top, and fresh Asian slaw. A couple grindings of black pepper are lovely, too.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together rice wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Add thinly sliced mix of vegetables and toss to combine.
- This can be made a day ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and is actually better when the flavors have a chance to mingle for at least a few hours before eating.
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and homework help, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortless weeknight dinners. This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw is a perfect example. Not only is it incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but it requires minimal hands-on time, leaving me more time for the things that truly matter.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The chicken simmers gently in a flavorful orange sauce, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The fresh Asian slaw provides a vibrant, crunchy contrast to the richness of the chicken, adding a delightful textural element to the dish. I love the combination of sweet and tangy flavors, and the aromatic ginger and garlic add a wonderful depth of complexity. The best part? The slaw can be prepared ahead of time, so all you need to do on the day of serving is heat up the chicken and assemble the meal. It’s a complete meal in itself, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
I've adapted this recipe over time, perfecting the balance of flavors to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. I often experiment with different vegetables in the slaw, depending on what's fresh and in season. Sometimes I add shredded carrots, cabbage, or even a little bit of finely julienned cucumber. The possibilities are endless! I always make extra slaw because my kids love to munch on it as a side snack too.
This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it's also perfect for entertaining. It's impressive enough to serve to guests, yet easy enough to prepare without stressing out about the complexities of a multi-course meal. Serving this with a simple side of rice completes the experience; fluffy, white rice soaks up the delicious orange sauce beautifully.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Or, for a milder version, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can even adjust the sweetness by using a different type of marmalade or adjusting the amount of honey in the slaw. It’s a recipe that can be tailored to your own taste.
The slow cooker not only makes the chicken incredibly tender but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish. The aroma that wafts from the slow cooker as it cooks is divine, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting fragrance that promises a delicious meal to come. And honestly, there’s something so comforting about coming home to a slow cooker bubbling away, knowing that dinner is practically ready for you.
Beyond the ease and flavor, this recipe is also a healthy choice. Chicken is a lean protein source, and the slaw is packed with vitamins and nutrients from the fresh vegetables. This dish is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s diet and provides the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It’s a win-win! It's a recipe I make again and again, and it consistently earns rave reviews from my family and friends. Give it a try – I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen as well.
So, the next time you're looking for a delicious, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner, remember this Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Fresh Asian Slaw. It's the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and nutrition, making it a true weeknight winner in my book. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and stress-free – exactly what every busy mom needs!
