Tangy Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts
Indulge in the ease and comfort of a home-cooked meal with this luscious Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners, this dish combines the rich flavor of seared chicken with a delightfully tangy orange sauce that will have your family coming back for seconds. With minimal active time in the kitchen, you can relax while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, tasty dish that pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the flavors of fall and an irresistible aroma wafting through your home!
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (bone-in and skin-on preferred)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cooking oil
2 tablespoons (for searing)
orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup
sour cream
1 cup
Instructions
1
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2
In a large sauté pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat.
3
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts skin side down and sear until they are well browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Carefully flip the chicken breasts and sear the other side for another 5-7 minutes until browned.
5
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the slow cooker, placing them skin side up.
6
Pour the orange juice concentrate over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Do not add any water.
7
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and keep them warm on a plate.
9
Using a ladle, degrease the sauce by skimming off excess fat from the surface.
10
Stir in the sour cream into the remaining sauce in the slow cooker until well combined.
11
To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and generously spoon the creamy orange sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
12.5
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts?
It is a flavorful dish where bone-in chicken breasts are seared and then slow-cooked in a tangy sauce made from orange juice concentrate and sour cream.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, although bone-in and skin-on breasts are preferred for moisture and flavor, boneless breasts can be used; just monitor the cooking time as they may cook faster.
How long does it take to cook on the high setting?
The chicken takes approximately 3 hours to cook on the high setting in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
On the low setting, the chicken should cook for 5 to 6 hours until it is tender and fully cooked.
Why do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing the chicken browns the skin and locks in flavor through caramelization, which significantly improves the final taste and texture of the dish.
Can I skip the searing step?
You can skip it if you are in a rush, but the chicken will lack the browned appearance and deep flavor provided by the initial sear.
What side dishes go well with this orange chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with white or brown rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Do I need to add water to the orange juice concentrate?
No, do not add any water; using the concentrate directly ensures a thick and intensely tangy orange glaze.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream to achieve a similar creamy and tangy finish.
How do I degrease the sauce?
Use a ladle to carefully skim off the excess fat and oil that rises to the surface of the cooking liquid before stirring in the sour cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your orange juice concentrate and sour cream to be sure.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay very moist in the slow cooker.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 25 grams of protein.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the sour cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing; stir well when reheating.
What kind of oil should I use for searing?
A neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, is best for searing the chicken.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
You can, but the sauce will be much thinner and the orange flavor will be less concentrated; the concentrate is recommended for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the chicken remains moist and the sauce reheats well.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can be added, though they may change the flavor profile of the orange glaze.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the recipe is tangy and savory but not spicy; you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, low-fat sour cream works, though the sauce may be slightly less rich than with full-fat versions.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function to sear and the pressure cook function for 8-10 minutes followed by a natural release.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I add honey for extra sweetness?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can stir in a tablespoon of honey with the orange concentrate.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it in a pan on the stove for a few minutes after the chicken is removed to reduce it.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Yes, the warm citrus flavors and the slow-cooking method make it a perfect comfort food for the fall season.