Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot: the easiest and most flavorful weeknight dinner you’ll ever make! Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of sweet and savory citrus, mingling with tender, juicy chicken. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a culinary hug in a bowl, and it all comes together with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.

While the exact origins of Mandarin Chicken are debated, its roots clearly lie in the fusion of American and Chinese culinary traditions. It’s a dish that celebrates the bright, zesty flavors of mandarin oranges, a fruit long associated with prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. This modern adaptation, utilizing the convenience of a crock pot, makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their cooking skills or time constraints.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! The sweet and tangy sauce, perfectly balanced with savory notes, is simply irresistible. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and moist during the slow cooking process, practically melting in your mouth. But perhaps the biggest draw is the sheer convenience. Simply toss the ingredients into your crock pot in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy. Forget takeout; this Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot recipe is healthier, tastier, and far more rewarding. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Sauce:
• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For Serving:
• Cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating is key to getting that slightly crispy texture, even in the slow cooker.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the chicken on all sides until lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; you just want to get some color on it. This step adds a lot of flavor and helps prevent the chicken from becoming too mushy in the slow cooker.
3. Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker. Make sure it’s spread out in a single layer as much as possible.

Making the Mandarin Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of marmalade.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are coated.

Slow Cooking the Mandarin Chicken:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the minimum time. It should easily shred with a fork.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
3. If you want a thicker sauce, you can thicken the sauce in the slow cooker. To do this, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
4. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the thickened sauce.

Serving the Mandarin Chicken:

1. Serve the Mandarin Chicken over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. I personally love it with brown rice for a healthier option.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. A few orange slices on the side add a nice touch of freshness.
3. Enjoy! This Mandarin Chicken is delicious served immediately, but it’s also great reheated the next day.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Options: While I prefer using chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry. If using chicken breasts, I recommend cooking on low for a shorter amount of time, around 4-6 hours.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit them altogether. For a milder flavor, you can also use a pinch of white pepper instead.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), snap peas, or carrots would all be great additions. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
• Pineapple Chunks: For a tropical twist, add a can of pineapple chunks (drained) to the slow cooker along with the sauce. The pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the other flavors perfectly.
• Orange Zest: For an extra burst of orange flavor, add the zest of one orange to the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before using them as a garnish. Toasting them enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This Mandarin Chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice Bowls: Serve the Mandarin Chicken over rice with a side of steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the Mandarin Chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter and healthier option. Top with chopped peanuts and a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
• Noodle Bowls: Serve the Mandarin Chicken over cooked noodles, such as ramen or udon noodles. Add some sliced cucumbers and carrots for a refreshing crunch.
• Appetizer: Serve the Mandarin Chicken as an appetizer at your next party. Skewer the chicken pieces and serve with a dipping sauce made from the slow cooker sauce.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Mandarin Chicken recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with the delicious Mandarin sauce. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is irresistible, and the recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Mandarin Chicken recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The ease of preparation combined with the vibrant, tangy-sweet sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget ordering takeout – this is healthier, tastier, and significantly more budget-friendly. The chicken comes out incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the sauce clings to every single piece, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

But what truly elevates this recipe to must-try status is its versatility. While it’s fantastic served over fluffy white rice, don’t be afraid to experiment! Quinoa or brown rice offer a healthier, nuttier alternative. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or even shredded cabbage. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider using it as a filling for lettuce wraps – the crisp lettuce provides a delightful contrast to the tender, flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the crock pot for a little extra heat.
* Get your greens in! Stir in some steamed broccoli florets, snow peas, or chopped bok choy during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and texture.
* Make it a meal prep masterpiece! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply portion it out into containers with your choice of sides for easy and delicious lunches throughout the week.
* Garnish like a pro! Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for a restaurant-quality presentation.
* Sweeten the deal! If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the crock pot.

I’ve made this Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. My family raves about it, and I love how simple it is to throw together on a busy weeknight. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your household – one you can rely on for a quick, easy, and delicious meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crock pot, and get ready to experience the magic of this recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments – let’s create a community of Mandarin Chicken Crock Pot enthusiasts! I am confident that this recipe will become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

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