Wanting to use a zested orange from another recipe of yours (Banana Bundt Cake, which could not have been more delicious!) and wondering if it’s a straight substitution, or a mix of the freshly squeezed juice and water? If a mix, any thoughts on a ratio? Thanks!
I made this recipe as a “test run” before I make it during vacation; absolutely delicious! Do you think it’s okay to freeze ahead of time, and then thaw overnight in the frig before reheating?
I’m sorry to hear this wasn’t what you hope for, Glenn. Many other readers have tried it and loved it, but I know everyone has different tastes. I truly wish you would have loved it!
I found this recipe looking to use some orange juice that was about to expire. Sadly, it was very bland. I even went above and beyond the ingredients here (I added the salt and pepper to the sauce, in addition to seasoning the breasts; went up to a full teaspoon of red pepper; used full-sugar OJ; and doubled the garlic) and it still had almost no flavor. I added another tablespoon of soy sauce, some sesame oil, and fresh lemon to brighten it up at the end, but it was still flat, dull and nearly tasteless. Eventually I gave up and topped my plate with a handful of cashews and a generous pour of poke sauce to make it appetizing.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, John. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
This is now my son’s favorite version of Orange Chicken. He’s hard to please, and a bit picky. I like it, too – my entire family does with the exception of my vegetarian daughter. And it’s nice to have the flavor without the greasiness or oil of the take-out versions.
This was such a great recipe! My only tweek was 1 tsp garlic and 3tsp ginger since we’re fans of ginger! This will now be on the go to menu since it’s so easy😋
This recipe was such a hit!! It’s hard to make a meal that a baby, toddler, and two adults all like. But this is a winner. As I’m trying my way through Erin’s recipes, I’m learning my kids need things all separate like chicken, rice, and peas (as opposed to like a casserole) and this lets me do that without compromising the flavor or interest of a dish. Looking for more things like this!
Can I make the Crockpot Orange Chicken with something other than rice vinegar? I have white and red and I don’t want to buy a whole bottle for this recipe.
And how much dry ginger can I use in place of 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger?
Hi Bob! I haven’t tried it with any other type of vinegar but you probably could. They all just have a different taste to them vs the rice vinegar that is a little milder in taste. If you are using ground ginger you’ll only need 1/2 teaspoon. Enjoy!
I have put off trying orange Chicken for SO long. Finding this recipe that didn’t use jarred marmalade or preserves was so exciting and I had to give it a go.
I made it on the stove, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes before adding corn starch slurry. It turned out absolutely delicious!
I made the recipe with the exception of using 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice and 1/2 cup of bottled (not from concentrate OJ). I cut up a fresh navel orange and added it in and even zested an orange into the mix (I really wanted that fresh orange flavor). Unfortunately, the recipe came out very bland the thing I tasted most was the black pepper that I added to the chicken. I then doubled the honey which made it slightly sweeter, but still wasn’t good enough(in my opinion). Lastly I peeled another orange and added it, added a splash of bottled orange juice and added 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar and it started to taste close to orange chicken you’d get from a restaurant. I’ll probably keep tinkering with it. This is the 3rd recipe of yours that I have made and they are absolutely wonderful as a starting point for my own creations (I tend to put my own touch on your recipes to make them suit my palate best).
I’m sorry to hear you had problems with the recipe, Anya. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and it not work out for you. Glad you were still able to enjoy it in the end.
The sauce turned out silky and just thick enough to coat the chicken nicely. It’s a mellow flavor, not too intense, which I liked for a slow cooker meal. I followed everything. I just added a bit more extra red pepper flakes for some heat, and it balanced the sweetness perfectly. Will definitely make this again.
Loved how tender the chicken turned out in the slow cooker. The sauce was bright and flavorful, not too sticky or heavy. Next time I might add some steamed broccoli on the side to make it a full meal.
I was worried the sauce might be too thin, but after adding the cornstarch slurry it came out perfect. Just thick enough to coat the chicken. I added sesame seeds on top and it looked great too.
Absolutely love all your content. Bravo bravo. You have lot delicious meal prep ideas for me. Add lil bit broccoli in at end yum yum come get u some. 😁😀😂 thanks a bunch . plus your recipes are well explained.
My daughter said she liked it “because she likes food that doesn’t taste like anything.” Burn? Have to agree with other commenters that said this was pretty bland. I’d recommend trying Erin’s slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe if you want more flavor.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, Katie. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it, but I understand we all have different tastes. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
I wasn’t expecting much since it’s slow cooker chicken, but it actually tasted really good. The orange flavor gave it something different, and it felt a little healthier than takeout. I’ll probably add some veggies next time to make it more filling.
Cooked this up for dinner and it was a hit. The chicken was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce had that sweet and tangy vibe I love. I’ll probably toss in a little chili next time for some spice, but it was such an easy meal to pull together.
This was delicious and not heavy like other recipes for this. It was so easy to put together. I loved it!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Victoria! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Wanting to use a zested orange from another recipe of yours (Banana Bundt Cake, which could not have been more delicious!) and wondering if it’s a straight substitution, or a mix of the freshly squeezed juice and water? If a mix, any thoughts on a ratio? Thanks!
Hi Lisa! It’s a straight substitution. Hope that helps!
I made this recipe as a “test run” before I make it during vacation; absolutely delicious! Do you think it’s okay to freeze ahead of time, and then thaw overnight in the frig before reheating?
Hi Linda! So glad you enjoyed it! Yes you could freeze the cooked chicken to reheat for later!
neither the wife could eat it. stopped after a couple of bites. even the dog did not like it
I’m sorry to hear this wasn’t what you hope for, Glenn. Many other readers have tried it and loved it, but I know everyone has different tastes. I truly wish you would have loved it!
I found this recipe looking to use some orange juice that was about to expire. Sadly, it was very bland. I even went above and beyond the ingredients here (I added the salt and pepper to the sauce, in addition to seasoning the breasts; went up to a full teaspoon of red pepper; used full-sugar OJ; and doubled the garlic) and it still had almost no flavor. I added another tablespoon of soy sauce, some sesame oil, and fresh lemon to brighten it up at the end, but it was still flat, dull and nearly tasteless. Eventually I gave up and topped my plate with a handful of cashews and a generous pour of poke sauce to make it appetizing.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, John. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
This is now my son’s favorite version of Orange Chicken. He’s hard to please, and a bit picky. I like it, too – my entire family does with the exception of my vegetarian daughter. And it’s nice to have the flavor without the greasiness or oil of the take-out versions.
Hi Julie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was such a great recipe! My only tweek was 1 tsp garlic and 3tsp ginger since we’re fans of ginger! This will now be on the go to menu since it’s so easy😋
Hi Glenna! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I see in the photos there are orange slices. Are we supposed to do that?
Hi Morgan! Orange slices are for the photos only but feel free to add any toppings you’d like.
This recipe was such a hit!! It’s hard to make a meal that a baby, toddler, and two adults all like. But this is a winner. As I’m trying my way through Erin’s recipes, I’m learning my kids need things all separate like chicken, rice, and peas (as opposed to like a casserole) and this lets me do that without compromising the flavor or interest of a dish. Looking for more things like this!
Hi Sharon! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
So good used 3 fresh oranges from my own tree gave 1 cup of fresh juice
Local honey
The whole family loved it
Hi Byron! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Erin —
Can I make the Crockpot Orange Chicken with something other than rice vinegar? I have white and red and I don’t want to buy a whole bottle for this recipe.
And how much dry ginger can I use in place of 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger?
Thank you.
Hi Bob! I haven’t tried it with any other type of vinegar but you probably could. They all just have a different taste to them vs the rice vinegar that is a little milder in taste. If you are using ground ginger you’ll only need 1/2 teaspoon. Enjoy!
I have put off trying orange Chicken for SO long. Finding this recipe that didn’t use jarred marmalade or preserves was so exciting and I had to give it a go.
I made it on the stove, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes before adding corn starch slurry. It turned out absolutely delicious!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Jade! Thank you!
I made the recipe with the exception of using 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice and 1/2 cup of bottled (not from concentrate OJ). I cut up a fresh navel orange and added it in and even zested an orange into the mix (I really wanted that fresh orange flavor). Unfortunately, the recipe came out very bland the thing I tasted most was the black pepper that I added to the chicken. I then doubled the honey which made it slightly sweeter, but still wasn’t good enough(in my opinion). Lastly I peeled another orange and added it, added a splash of bottled orange juice and added 3 Tablespoons of brown sugar and it started to taste close to orange chicken you’d get from a restaurant. I’ll probably keep tinkering with it. This is the 3rd recipe of yours that I have made and they are absolutely wonderful as a starting point for my own creations (I tend to put my own touch on your recipes to make them suit my palate best).
Thank you for all your contributions!
~Anya
I’m sorry to hear you had problems with the recipe, Anya. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and it not work out for you. Glad you were still able to enjoy it in the end.
The sauce turned out silky and just thick enough to coat the chicken nicely. It’s a mellow flavor, not too intense, which I liked for a slow cooker meal. I followed everything. I just added a bit more extra red pepper flakes for some heat, and it balanced the sweetness perfectly. Will definitely make this again.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Angelica!
Loved how tender the chicken turned out in the slow cooker. The sauce was bright and flavorful, not too sticky or heavy. Next time I might add some steamed broccoli on the side to make it a full meal.
So pleased to hear it, thank you!!
I was worried the sauce might be too thin, but after adding the cornstarch slurry it came out perfect. Just thick enough to coat the chicken. I added sesame seeds on top and it looked great too.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it and it worked well, Andrea! Thank you!
Absolutely love all your content. Bravo bravo. You have lot delicious meal prep ideas for me. Add lil bit broccoli in at end yum yum come get u some. 😁😀😂 thanks a bunch . plus your recipes are well explained.
Thank you so much, Shannan! Thank you!
My daughter said she liked it “because she likes food that doesn’t taste like anything.” Burn? Have to agree with other commenters that said this was pretty bland. I’d recommend trying Erin’s slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe if you want more flavor.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, Katie. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it, but I understand we all have different tastes. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
I wasn’t expecting much since it’s slow cooker chicken, but it actually tasted really good. The orange flavor gave it something different, and it felt a little healthier than takeout. I’ll probably add some veggies next time to make it more filling.
So glad to hear, Haidee! Thank you!
Cooked this up for dinner and it was a hit. The chicken was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce had that sweet and tangy vibe I love. I’ll probably toss in a little chili next time for some spice, but it was such an easy meal to pull together.
Yay! So glad to hear, Kiara! Thank you!