Slow cooker orange chicken is one of the most delicious and easy-to-make dishes out there. It’s a popular Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. If you are looking for a simple and flavorful recipe that doesn’t require a lot of preparation, then you have found the right article. In this article, I will be discussing the amazing slow cooker orange chicken recipe, its health benefits, and some tips to help you make it even better!
What is slow cooker orange chicken?
Slow cooker orange chicken is a dish made with tender chunks of chicken, which are smothered in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The dish is sweet, savory, and has a spicy kick to it. It’s perfect for those who love their food with a bit of a zing! The ingredients commonly used to make this dish include chicken, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients are all readily available in most local grocery stores, making it an easy dish to prepare.
Known health benefits
One of the best things about slow cooker orange chicken is that it’s a healthy and nutritious dish. Chicken is high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent source of nutrition for those who are watching their weight. Additionally, the orange sauce used in this dish is made with fresh oranges, which are full of vitamins and minerals, essential for maintaining good health.
Furthermore, the dish contains other health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, which come from the ginger and garlic used in the cooking. These ingredients also give the dish an added depth of flavor and aroma. Slow cooker orange chicken is also a great source of antioxidants, which come from the fresh oranges and can help to combat cell damage.
Tips for making the perfect slow cooker orange chicken
If you want to make the best slow cooker orange chicken, there are a few tips that you can follow to ensure that your dish is perfect every time.
Use fresh ingredients
One of the most crucial things to keep in mind when making slow cooker orange chicken is to use fresh ingredients. Fresh oranges, ginger, and garlic will give your dish a more vibrant flavor and aroma. Additionally, using fresh ingredients will make the dish healthier by ensuring that the dish contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals.
Don’t overcook the chicken
Another important tip is to avoid overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy, which can ruin the overall taste and texture of the dish. Try to stick to the cooking time advised in the recipe to ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection.
Adjust the ingredients according to your preference
Slow cooker orange chicken is a versatile dish, meaning that you can adjust the ingredients according to your preference. If you like your food spicy, add an extra teaspoon of chili flakes. If you prefer your food less sweet, cut back on the honey. Adjusting the ingredients can help to create a personalized flavor profile for your dish that you will love.
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs
Lastly, don’t forget to add a touch of freshness to your dish by garnishing it with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. These herbs will not only add an extra burst of flavor to the dish but will also make it look more attractive and appealing.
Conclusion
Slow cooker orange chicken is an amazing dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Not only is it a healthy dish, but it is also nutritious and tasty. Follow these tips to ensure that your next batch of slow cooker orange chicken is perfect and loved by all. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Slow cooker orange chicken is a delicious and easy meal that you can make at home. It is a popular Chinese dish that has been adapted to suit the Western palate. The dish is sweet, tangy, and savory, making it a crowd favorite among adults and children alike. The best part about making orange chicken in a slow cooker is that it can be prepared in advance, and you can let it cook all day while you attend to other things. In this article, we will provide you with some valuable tips that you can use to make amazing slow cooker orange chicken recipes.
Tip 1: Use the right cut of chicken
When making orange chicken in a slow cooker, it is important to use the right cut of chicken. Experts recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut of chicken is perfect for slow cooking because it is juicy, tender, and has a lot of flavor. Chicken breasts, on the other hand, tend to dry out in a slow cooker, and they are not as flavorful as chicken thighs.
Tip 2: Brown the chicken first
One way to add more flavor to your slow cooker orange chicken is to brown the chicken first. This step is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Browning the chicken will caramelize the meat, giving it a crispy texture while locking in the juices. To brown the chicken, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add some oil, and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Tip 3: Don't overcook the chicken
When cooking orange chicken in a slow cooker, it is important not to overcook the chicken. Chicken thighs only need about 4-6 hours on low heat to cook through. If you leave the chicken in the slow cooker for too long, it will become dry and tough. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tip 4: Add orange zest for flavor
To enhance the flavor of your slow cooker orange chicken, add some orange zest to the mix. Orange zest is the outermost layer of an orange's skin, and it contains essential oils that give the fruit its flavor and aroma. Adding a small amount of orange zest to your slow cooker orange chicken will give it a fresh, citrusy taste that will make it stand out.
Tip 5: Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce
Slow cooker orange chicken is a saucy dish that is meant to be served over rice or noodles. To thicken the sauce and give it a nice, glossy finish, use cornstarch. Cornstarch is a natural thickener that is commonly used in Chinese cooking. To thicken the sauce, mix some cornstarch with water to form a slurry, and then add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the dish is done.
Tip 6: Add vegetables for nutrition
To make your slow cooker orange chicken even more nutritious, add some vegetables to the mix. Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers are great options that add color, flavor, and texture to the dish. You can add the vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process, or you can add them 1-2 hours before the dish is done to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Tip 7: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
To make your slow cooker orange chicken look more appetizing, garnish it with some green onions and sesame seeds. Green onions add a fresh, tangy taste to the dish, while sesame seeds add crunch and texture. Simply sprinkle some green onions and sesame seeds on top of the dish before serving, and you're good to go!
Conclusion
Slow cooker orange chicken is a delicious and easy meal that you can make at home. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow these valuable tips when making slow cooker orange chicken, and you'll be sure to create a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious!
