Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken – Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Nights

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Imagine walking through the door after a long day, greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of tender chicken infused with a sweet and savory orange sesame sauce. You’re ready to sit down and enjoy a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but the truth is, you barely lifted a finger. That’s the magic of this Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken recipe. It combines effortless preparation with bold flavors and satisfying textures that will make your dinner routine easier and more delicious than ever.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish at home—from the ingredients you’ll need, to the step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for perfect results, and answers to common questions. Let’s get started.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why This Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken Should Be Your Go-To Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a meal that’s both fuss-free and packed with flavor. This recipe lets you enjoy that without sacrificing your valuable time.

• Effortless Meal Prep: You just brown the chicken quickly, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on your day.
• Balanced Flavors: The combination of orange marmalade’s natural sweetness and low sodium soy sauce creates an irresistible harmony. Ginger, garlic, and sesame oil bring warmth and depth, while red pepper flakes add a subtle kick.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking breaks down the chicken just right, keeping it juicy and tender instead of dry.
• Healthy and Flexible: Using lean chicken breast and controlling sodium levels with low sodium soy sauce, this recipe fits well into a balanced diet. Plus, it’s easy to add vegetables or switch proteins to suit your preferences.

Slow cooker meals like this are growing in popularity, thanks to how well they fit modern lifestyles where time is short but quality is essential. By mastering this dish, you’ll add a reliable, tasty option to your weekly menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients. Here’s a handy table so you know exactly what to prep:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders	2 pounds (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cornstarch	⅓ cup
Olive oil	4 tablespoons
Orange marmalade	1 ½ cups
Low sodium soy sauce	½ cup
Vinegar	2 tablespoons
Sesame oil	1 teaspoon
Ground ginger	1 teaspoon
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon
Sesame seeds	1 teaspoon (plus more for garnish)
Scallions	For garnish

Why these ingredients matter:

• Chicken breasts or tenders: Lean, quick-cooking, and absorbs flavors well.
• Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light coating that helps lock in moisture and creates a slight glaze when cooked.
• Orange marmalade: Provides a natural sweetness with a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with the savory soy sauce.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami without overwhelming saltiness.
• Vinegar and sesame oil: Balance the sweet and savory notes with acidity and nuttiness.
• Ginger and garlic: Give the dish its warm, aromatic base.
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat to keep the flavor profile lively.
• Sesame seeds and scallions: Finish the dish with texture and freshness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces. This size ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to eat.

Next, pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish. Add the chicken pieces and toss them gently until they’re coated evenly. This light dusting is key to helping the chicken pieces develop a nice texture during the browning process and later in the slow cooker.

Browning the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer. Brown the pieces lightly on each side — you’re not cooking them fully yet, just sealing the outside to lock in moisture and add flavor.

This step might feel a bit tedious but trust me, it’s what gives the chicken a satisfying bite and prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.

Transferring to the Slow Cooker

Once browned, transfer the chicken pieces into your 6-quart slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to allow the sauce to coat all the pieces properly.

Preparing the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Orange marmalade
• Low sodium soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Ground ginger
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds

This sauce is where all the magic happens. The sweetness from the marmalade complements the savory soy sauce, while ginger and garlic give the dish a vibrant warmth.

Combining and Cooking

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all the pieces. Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for 3 hours. To avoid sticking or burning, stir the chicken halfway through cooking.

The slow cooker will work steadily, infusing the chicken with the sauce flavors and transforming the texture into something truly tender.

Serving Your Dish

Once the timer is up, sprinkle chopped scallions and extra sesame seeds over the chicken for a fresh crunch and visual appeal.

Serve this orange sesame chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or your favorite grain to soak up the luscious sauce.

Tips for Getting This Recipe Just Right Every Time

• Fresh ingredients matter: Always use fresh chicken and quality orange marmalade for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip browning: This adds depth and a slightly caramelized texture that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
• Adjust spice to taste: If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes gradually.
• Use a non-stick skillet for browning: It helps prevent chicken from sticking and tearing.
• Try adding veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can be added about halfway through cooking for a more balanced meal.
• Control salt: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from getting overly salty, especially with the sweet marmalade.

Nutritional Breakdown: What’s in Your Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken?

To keep track of your intake, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	40 grams
Fat	15 grams
Carbohydrates	35 grams
Sodium	600 mg

Note: These values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will add extra richness and juiciness but may have slightly more fat content. Adjust cooking time accordingly if pieces are larger.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. It should keep well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How long can leftovers be stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternatives to keep the flavor profile intact while avoiding gluten.

What should I serve with this dish?

Steamed white or brown rice is the classic choice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed or roasted vegetables pair well too.

Conclusion: Make This Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken Your New Favorite Meal

You’ve just unlocked a dinner solution that combines ease, healthfulness, and flavor in one pot. Whether you’re juggling a hectic schedule or just craving a tasty homemade meal, this Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken fits the bill perfectly.

Give it a try tonight, and watch how it becomes a staple in your cooking rotation. Don’t forget to share your experience, leave comments about your favorite tweaks, or subscribe for more delicious, easy recipes designed for your busy life.

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