Name: Slow Cooker Orange Sesame: 6 Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt); 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch knob of fresh ginger, minced or grated; 2 oranges, zest and juice; Juice from 1 large lemon; 2 Tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos); 2 Tablespoons tapioca flour; 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Rice or cauliflower rice for serving

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Slow Cooker Orange Sesame is a delightful twist on the classic orange chicken. This dish is a sweet and tangy delight that fits perfectly into a healthy meal plan. It’s paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and incredibly simple to make. By using a slow cooker, you allow the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

There are countless reasons to adore this dish. First, the Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Chicken offers a rich blend of flavors that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. It’s also an Easy Slow Cooker Orange Sesame recipe, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. The use of healthy ingredients, like fresh ginger and orange juice, ensures that you’re feeding your family something nutritious. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make a large batch for the week. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it. Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile; you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

Gather these items:

2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch knob of fresh ginger, minced or grated
2 oranges, zest and juice
Juice from 1 large lemon
2 Tablespoons sesame oil, divided
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 Tablespoons tapioca flour
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Rice or cauliflower rice for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Orange Sesame Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with sea salt and toss to coat.
Step 2: Add onion, garlic, ginger, orange zest, half of the lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir.
Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender.
Step 4: Remove chicken from slow cooker, reserving the liquid.
Step 5: Transfer the liquid to a skillet, add honey, soy sauce, remaining orange zest, orange juice, remaining lemon juice, and sesame oil. Whisk in tapioca flour until smooth.
Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to warm.
Step 8: Serve over cauliflower rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

Keep these in mind:

Make sure to cut your chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more honey if desired.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Note: You can also prepare this dish in an Instant Pot for quicker cooking.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Pair with steamed vegetables for a healthy side dish.
Use as a filling for lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

To store leftovers, simply transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave for quick reheating. This is a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Orange Sesame

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Orange Sesame?

The secret lies in the marinade! The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey creates a rich flavor that infuses the chicken. Using fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic also elevates the taste, making it a Quick Orange Sesame Dish that’s full of flavor.

Can I make Slow Cooker Orange Sesame ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve. It’s a Family-Friendly Orange Sesame Slow Cooker Meal that you can prepare on the weekend for busy weeknights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Orange Sesame?

One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Always check for tenderness between 5-6 hours on low heat. Also, ensure you have enough liquid to prevent burning. This dish is a Healthy Orange Sesame in Slow Cooker that should remain juicy and flavorful.

Variations of Slow Cooker Orange Sesame You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:

Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add bell peppers and broccoli for extra veggies.
Use orange marmalade instead of honey for a sweeter sauce.
Try adding cashews for a delightful crunch.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making ginger lime pork for a flavorful twist. You might also enjoy slow cooker Korean beef for a different take on slow cooking!

Slow Cooker Orange Sesame: 6 Reasons to Love It

Author: basmer
Total Time: 395 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that’s paleo-friendly and gluten-free. Perfect for a family weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with sea salt and toss to coat.
Add onion, garlic, ginger, orange zest, half of the lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir.
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until chicken is tender.
Remove chicken from slow cooker, reserving the liquid.
Transfer the liquid to a skillet, add honey, soy sauce, remaining orange zest, orange juice, remaining lemon juice, and sesame oil. Whisk in tapioca flour until smooth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to warm.
Serve over cauliflower rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.