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citrusy chicken delight recipe

Sweet and Zesty Orange Chicken

This delicious slow cooker orange chicken combines the perfect balance of sweet citrus flavor with warm ginger notes. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in concentrated orange juice, then topped with coconut and mandarin oranges for a bright, textural finish that's both impressive and effortless.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut unsweetened preferred
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 8 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate no need to thaw
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups mandarin orange segments fresh or canned
  • pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • rice for serving

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Serving platter
  • Gravy boat

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle chicken with ginger, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the frozen orange juice concentrate over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until chicken is tender.
  5. Prepare a bed of hot rice on a serving platter.
  6. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice.
  7. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and scatter mandarin orange segments throughout.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions.
  9. Optional: Serve the cooking liquid on the side as a sauce.

Notes

For a juicier result, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. If you prefer less sweetness, use half the orange concentrate and add fresh orange zest instead. The cooking liquid makes an excellent sauce, so consider serving it in a gravy boat alongside the dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas for a complete meal.