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Crockpot Orange Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American-Chinese
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Crockpot Orange Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breast pieces are coated and slow-cooked in a vibrant orange sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat, then combined with broccoli for a nutritious and satisfying dish. Serve it over rice for a complete family-friendly dinner packed with tangy citrus and savory sweetness.

Ingredients

Orange Sauce

  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2-3 Tbsp orange zest (use 3 Tbsp for extra strong orange flavor)
  • ⅔ cup orange marmalade
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

Chicken & Other Ingredients

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 package frozen broccoli florets (approximately 12 oz.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare orange sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, orange marmalade, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  2. Coat chicken pieces: Place the cubed chicken in a large gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add salt, pepper, and cornstarch to the bag. Seal and shake well to evenly coat all the chicken pieces with the seasoning and cornstarch. For even seasoning distribution, you may whisk the salt, pepper, and cornstarch before adding to the bag.
  3. Prepare crockpot: Lightly spray the bottom and sides of the slow cooker pot with oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the prepared orange sauce into the bottom, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful base layer.
  4. Layer chicken and sauce: Place the coated chicken pieces over the sauce in the crockpot. Pour the remaining orange sauce over the chicken, ensuring most pieces are covered though some chicken may not be fully submerged.
  5. Cook chicken: Set the slow cooker to LOW heat and cook for approximately 2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Add broccoli and finish cooking: Add the frozen broccoli florets directly to the crockpot. Continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender and heated through.
  7. Serve and garnish: Switch the crockpot to the warm setting to keep the meal hot until serving. Serve the orange chicken and broccoli over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions, extra orange zest, and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the finished dish.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; always check chicken temperature for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Find it online: https://dishrise.com/crockpot-orange-chicken-and-broccoli-recipe/