Crockpot Orange Chicken – Easy, Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipe

I still remember the first time I made a simple slow cooker meal that wowed my family—just like the recipes I share on Eminent Recipes. This Crockpot Orange Chicken is that kind of dish: easy, family-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Using orange marmalade and a touch of BBQ sauce, it’s a balanced one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, giving everyone a comforting, customizable dish in just a few steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, fuss-free dinner, this Crockpot Orange Chicken is exactly what you need. Using simple ingredients like chicken thighs, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a sweet and tangy sauce that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and requires minimal prep. You can make a 3-ingredient version or try a 5-ingredient variation with soy sauce and garlic for extra depth.

Crockpot Orange Chicken is not only convenient but also versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a balanced one-pot meal. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re trying an easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe, a 4-ingredient orange chicken slow cooker dish, or a version using orange marmalade and BBQ sauce, this recipe will become a go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Crockpot Orange Chicken is designed to be simple, flavorful, and versatile, using ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry. The star of the dish is boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Orange marmalade brings the perfect balance of sweetness, while BBQ sauce adds a smoky, tangy kick. A touch of soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder enhances the depth of flavor, creating a rich, aromatic sauce. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and texture, making the dish visually appealing and delicious. Whether you’re preparing a 3-ingredient Crockpot Orange Chicken or a more robust 5-ingredient version, these ingredients work together to create a family-friendly, easy slow cooker meal.

Ingredients for Crockpot Orange Chicken laid out
Crockpot Orange Chicken – Easy, Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipe 13

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup orange marmalade
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder

For Garnish (Optional):
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

How to Make This Recipe

Making Crockpot Orange Chicken is incredibly simple, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Start with tender chicken thighs or breasts, which absorb the sweet and tangy flavors of orange marmalade and BBQ sauce perfectly. Adding soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder creates a rich, well-rounded sauce. This easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. You can also customize it into a 3-ingredient version or a 5-ingredient slow cooker orange chicken for extra flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a balanced, one-pot meal everyone will love.

🛒 Steps:

Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup orange marmalade, ½ cup BBQ sauce, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional).
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon ginger powder over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Remove chicken and shred if desired, then pour sauce over the top.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Crockpot Orange Chicken cooking in slow cooker
Crockpot Orange Chicken – Easy, Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipe 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Cooking Crockpot Orange Chicken is easy, but a few expert tips can make your slow cooker meal even better. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, while orange marmalade and BBQ sauce provide a sweet and tangy flavor that slowly infuses the chicken during cooking. Adding garlic powder, ginger powder, and optional soy sauce boosts the depth of flavor. This easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is fully customizable—you can make a 3-ingredient version for simplicity or a 5-ingredient slow cooker orange chicken for a richer taste. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds enhance presentation and texture, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

💡 Expert Tips:

Choose chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful Crockpot Orange Chicken.
Use orange marmalade and BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy slow cooker orange chicken sauce.
Add garlic powder, ginger powder, and soy sauce for deeper flavor.
Shred the chicken after cooking for easy serving over rice or noodles.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a professional touch.
Experiment with 3–5 ingredient versions to match your pantry or taste preferences.

Four variations of Crockpot Orange Chicken
Crockpot Orange Chicken – Easy, Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Recipe 15

FAQs

What is the easiest way to make Crockpot Orange Chicken?

The easiest method is to combine chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe requires minimal prep and delivers tender, flavorful chicken perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Can I make a 3-ingredient Crockpot Orange Chicken?

Yes! Simply use chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce. Even with just three ingredients, the slow cooker infuses the chicken with sweet and tangy flavor.

What’s the best chicken cut for slow cooker orange chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and absorb the flavors of the orange marmalade and BBQ sauce. Chicken breasts can be used, but they may be slightly drier.

Can I store and reheat leftover Crockpot Orange Chicken?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain tenderness and the rich, sweet sauce.

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Crockpot Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and family-friendly appeal. Using simple ingredients like chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce every time. Whether you try a 3-ingredient Crockpot Orange Chicken or a 5-ingredient slow cooker orange chicken version, it’s customizable, quick, and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal that everyone will love.

This easy Crockpot Orange Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to adjust flavors, spice levels, and garnishes to fit your taste. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder this dish has become a go-to favorite for home cooks looking for stress-free, flavorful dinners. Add it to your weekly meal rotation and enjoy a hassle-free, family-friendly dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

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Crockpot Orange Chicken served in white bowl with sauce

Crockpot Orange Chicken


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 4–6 hours
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe uses simple ingredients like orange marmalade and BBQ sauce to create a flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 1 cup orange marmalade

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sliced green onions

  • Sesame seeds


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in the crockpot. Sprinkle with garlic powder and ginger powder.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Pour over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.

Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve
Remove chicken and shred or leave whole. Pour the sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • 3–Ingredient Version: Use just chicken, orange marmalade, and BBQ sauce for a super simple dinner.
  • Thighs vs Breasts: Thighs stay juicier and absorb more flavor, but breasts can be used if preferred.
  • Thicker Sauce: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce 30 minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) / 2–3 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Dish / Slow Cooker
  • Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American / Asian-Inspired

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