Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is the kind of dinner that looks and tastes like a special treat, but comes together with effortless, hands-off magic. Sweet, sticky, and tangy with just a kiss of spice, the tender chicken pieces soak up every bit of that irresistible orange sauce while you go about your day. If you adore takeout-style orange chicken but want to make it at home with simple, wholesome ingredients, this slow cooker version will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy, No-Fuss Cooking: Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on enjoying the tantalizing aromas filling your kitchen.
  • Better Than Takeout: You get all the crave-worthy sweetness and citrusy zing you love, but with real, fresh ingredients and none of the mystery.
  • Family Approved: Even picky eaters rave about these glossy, tender chicken bites thanks to their sweet-meets-savory flavor.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers reheat beautifully and the recipe scales up or down depending on your crowd.
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is proof that amazing flavor doesn’t require a mile-long shopping list. Each ingredient serves a purpose, from the juicy chicken and the lively orange marmalade to the umami-rich soy sauce and aromatic ginger. Even the touch of cornstarch helps create that signature velvety coating you crave!

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they soak up the flavorful sauce and become perfectly tender in the slow cooker.
  • Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch gives each piece a light, irresistible crispness before it simmers in the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for browning the chicken, this adds a subtle richness and helps the cornstarch form a light golden crust.
  • Orange Marmalade: The secret to vibrant, citrusy sweetness in the sauce—don’t substitute with jelly if you want that true orange chicken flavor!
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings all the savory depth and balances the marmalade’s sweetness without overpowering the dish.
  • Vinegar: Just a couple tablespoons for a touch of tang that brightens up every bite.
  • Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way to add a nutty, toasty finish to the sauce.
  • Ground Ginger: Gives a warming, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for depth and savory pop.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but just a pinch adds a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Sesame Seeds: Stirred into the sauce for texture, and scattered over the finished dish for a pretty and flavorful garnish.
  • Scallions: Fresh and green, showered on just before serving to boost color and a hint of mild onion flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is how easy it is to adapt. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—whether you’re working around allergies, craving a spicier kick, or just using what’s on hand!

  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and double-check your marmalade label.
  • Extra Veggies: Toss in chunks of bell pepper, snow peas, or broccoli for added color and crunch during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Swap the Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even bite-sized pork or tofu for a fresh twist.
  • Boost the Citrus: Stir in a little fresh orange zest or a splash of orange juice to amp up the tangy brightness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces—think hearty bite-sized chunks. This helps each piece cook evenly and soak up that luscious orange sauce. If you’re using tenders, it’s even easier: they’re already the perfect size.

Step 2: Coat and Brown

In a shallow dish, toss those chicken pieces with the cornstarch, coating every nook and cranny. Next, warm up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—once it shimmers, add the coated chicken in a single layer and let each side turn a mouthwatering light golden brown. (No need to cook through just yet, we’re just adding flavor and texture!)

Step 3: Move to the Slow Cooker

Once all the chicken is browned, transfer it directly into the basin of your slow cooker. Be sure to scrape in any flavorful crispy bits left behind—that’s pure gold!

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. This beautiful, fragrant mixture is the soul of your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken, so be sure everything’s well-blended.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Pour your vibrant sauce mixture all over the browned chicken in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir so every piece is coated, then pop on the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on LOW for 2-3 hours. Halfway through, give a quick stir to help the sauce envelope every piece. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy, give it a final stir. Scatter lots of chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately over a steaming bowl of rice for maximum comfort—and watch everyone swoon at first bite!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

  • Marmalade Matters: Go for a high-quality orange marmalade with bits of peel for the boldest citrus flavor and gorgeous sauce texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Browning: Taking those extra few minutes to sear the chicken in hot oil gives you that restaurant-style tender bite and prevents sogginess.
  • Keep It Low and Slow: Resist the urge to crank up the heat—cooking on low ensures the chicken stays melt-in-your-mouth, not rubbery.
  • Customize Your Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your heat preferences; you can always sprinkle in extra at the end!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Slow Cooker Orange Chicken quite like a generous shower of finely sliced scallions and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds. For even more color and crunch, try a little fresh orange zest or a handful of chopped cilantro—the visual pop makes this dish dinner party-worthy!

Side Dishes

This chicken begs to be served over warm, fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of the glossy orange sauce. If you want to round out the meal, add a side of simple stir-fried veggies, steamed broccoli, or even a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw for freshness and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving your orange chicken in lettuce cups for a handheld party appetizer, or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For potluck gatherings, keep it warm in the slow cooker and let guests build their own rice bowls with toppings like chopped peanuts, sriracha, or pineapple chunks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Orange Chicken keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens a little more as it cools, but the flavors just get richer and more satisfying with time!

Freezing

This dish is highly freezer-friendly: simply let the chicken and sauce cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat your Slow Cooker Orange Chicken in a covered skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave also works in a pinch—just heat in short bursts, stirring between each one to keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Slow Cooker Orange Chicken?

    Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap—they’re even more forgiving in the slow cooker and give you extra juicy, flavorful results. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces as you would the breasts.

  2. Do I have to brown the chicken first?

    While you can add the chicken straight to the slow cooker in a pinch, browning it first makes a big difference in both flavor and texture. The light crust helps lock in moisture and gives that classic orange chicken feel.

  3. Can I make Slow Cooker Orange Chicken ahead of time?

    Yes! Feel free to cook it a day in advance and reheat gently when ready to serve. The flavors meld and get even better after some time in the fridge!

  4. How do I make it less sweet or less spicy?

    You can reduce the orange marmalade for a less sweet result, or use a brand with less added sugar. For less spice, simply omit or reduce the red pepper flakes (and add more if you like extra heat!).

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a homemade batch of Slow Cooker Orange Chicken—the bold flavors, the sticky-sweet sauce, and the ease of letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and share it with those you love. It’s the perfect way to bring a little restaurant-style magic to your dinner table, no takeout menu required!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe

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4.7 from 129 reviews

This Slow Cooker Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will love. Tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange glaze, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker for a convenient and delicious meal.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orange Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups orange marmalade (about a 16 oz jar)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
  • Scallions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken into approximately 1-inch pieces.
  2. Coat Chicken: Pour cornstarch into a shallow dish, add the chicken, and toss to evenly coat.
  3. Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the coated chicken on each side.
  4. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
  5. Make the Orange Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds.
  6. Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  7. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, then serve over rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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