Lightened-Up Crockpot Orange Chicken

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place it in the slow cooker.

2. 2

   Add the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the chicken and distribute the seasonings evenly.

3. 3

   Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 3–4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74 °C) (74°C (165 °F)) and is tender. Avoid overcooking, since chicken breast can dry out.

   Start 4-hour timer
4. 4

   Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.

5. 5

   Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, stirring once if needed.

   Start 20-minute timer
6. 6

   Taste the sauce and adjust the balance if necessary with a little additional vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.

7. 7

   Serve the orange chicken over cooked rice with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.