Citrus-Infused Slow Cooker Chicken Delight
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this indulgent Citrus-Infused Slow Cooker Chicken Delight. Perfect for busy days, this one-dish meal is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty marinade filled with orange juice, garlic, and soy sauce. As it slowly cooks, the flavors meld together, creating a rich and savory sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Enjoy a meal that not only satisfies but also brings a touch of sunshine to your table. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household!
8
Servings
350
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen orange juice
2 tablespoons (thawed)
chicken stock
2 cups (low-sodium recommended)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
tomato paste
1/2 cup (unseasoned)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
allspice
1 dash
chicken (breasts and thighs)
4 lbs (skinless for lighter option)
mushrooms
1/4 lb (sliced)
margarine or butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
mandarin orange sections
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
bell pepper
1/2 large (sliced lengthwise)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
cornstarch
3 tablespoons
cold milk
1/4 cup
cold water
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
The night before, mix together the marinade ingredients: frozen orange juice, chicken stock, salt, pepper, tomato paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and allspice in a large, sealable container.
2
Once the marinade is well combined, add the chicken pieces to the container. Seal and refrigerate overnight.
3
In the morning, transfer the marinated chicken into the slow cooker, pour in the marinade, ensuring it fills about an inch below the top of the cooker.
4
Set the slow cooker to low and cover for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to cook gently and absorb the flavors.
5
After 6 to 8 hours, increase the heat to high on the slow cooker.
6
About an hour before serving, melt the margarine or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and tender, then add them to the slow cooker along with any pan juices.
7
Stir in the drained mandarin orange sections, sliced bell pepper, and ground ginger into the slow cooker, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, milk, and cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the mixture into the slow cooker until the sauce thickens slightly.
9
Re-cover the slow cooker and allow it to simmer for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring everything is hot and well blended before serving.
Nutrition Information
10.6
Fat
17
Carbs
44
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Slow Cooker Chicken Delight?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty marinade of orange juice, garlic, and soy sauce cooked slowly for deep flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 44 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this chicken dish?
There are 10.6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?
Yes, the recipe suggests mixing the marinade and refrigerating the chicken in it overnight for the best results.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of thawed frozen orange juice, chicken stock, salt, pepper, tomato paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and allspice.
Can I use both breasts and thighs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 lbs of chicken using both breasts and thighs.
How long does the chicken cook on the low setting?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
When should the slow cooker be set to high?
Increase the heat to high after the initial 6 to 8 hours of low-heat cooking is complete.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be sliced and sautéed in margarine or butter until golden and tender before being added to the slow cooker.
When do I add the mandarin oranges?
Add the drained mandarin orange sections about an hour before you plan to serve the dish.
How is the bell pepper prepared for this dish?
Half of a large bell pepper should be sliced lengthwise and added to the cooker during the final hour.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Thicken the sauce by whisking together cornstarch, cold milk, and cold water to create a slurry, then gradually stir it into the slow cooker.
How long is the final simmer time?
After adding the thickening slurry, allow the dish to simmer for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.
Is low-sodium stock recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using low-sodium chicken stock.
What kind of orange juice is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is highly recommended for meal prep and family gatherings.
How can I make this a lighter meal?
You can use skinless chicken pieces for a lighter dietary option.
What spices provide the flavor profile?
The flavor is enhanced with allspice, ground ginger, and black pepper.
How much garlic does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Should the frozen orange juice be thawed?
Yes, ensure the frozen orange juice is thawed before mixing it into the marinade.
What are the best side dishes for this recipe?
This citrus-infused chicken pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Does the recipe contain brown sugar?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
What kind of tomato paste should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unseasoned tomato paste.
Is soy sauce used in the marinade?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for a savory depth.
What fat is used for sautéing the mushrooms?
The mushrooms can be sautéed in either 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 18 specific ingredients required for this recipe.
What tags describe this recipe?
Key tags for this dish include slow cooker, chicken, one dish meal, citrus, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, and meal prep.