Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken Recipe for Tender, Tangy Perfection

This slow-cooked mandarin chicken delivers juicy, fall-off-the-bone tenderness with a deliciously tangy Asian-inspired sauce. Imagine a marinade that combines sweet mandarin oranges, savory soy sauce, and a touch of ginger, slowly infusing every bite with bold flavor.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, stress-free meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s cooked right in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it!

My Story Behind This Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken

The first time I made an easy mandarin chicken recipe, it was a game-changer. I’d just started experimenting with slow cooking during busy weeknights and wanted a recipe that felt indulgent yet simple.

This dish was inspired by my love for the distinctive tang of homemade slow cooker chicken paired with the sweetness of citrus. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to balance those flavors beautifully.

Today, I’m thrilled to share it with you, so you can enjoy the magic of this best mandarin orange chicken right at home.

Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3 to 3-1/2 pounds), cut up and skin removed
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives (optional)
• Hot cooked rice (for serving)

How to Make Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, ketchup, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, soy sauce, mustard, salt, garlic powder, ginger, and pepper until smooth.
2. Pour half the marinade into another large bowl or dish. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Store the remaining marinade separately in the refrigerator.
4. Discard the used marinade from the chicken. Place the chicken pieces into a 4 or 5-quart slow cooker, then pour the reserved marinade over the top.
5. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked (juices should run clear when pierced).
6. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter, keeping it warm.
7. Skim the fat from the cooking juices in the slow cooker and transfer the liquid to a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a boil on medium heat.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the boiling sauce.
9. Continue cooking the sauce, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until thickened.
10. Add the drained mandarin oranges, green pepper, and olives (if using) to the sauce and stir until combined.
11. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

My Chef Tips for the Best Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken

• Marinate for as long as possible: Let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight to deeply infuse the flavors.
• Choose fresh chicken: For optimal tenderness, use fresh chicken rather than frozen.
• Thicken the sauce precisely: Mix the cornstarch and water until there are no lumps, ensuring the sauce thickens smoothly.
• Add a garnish: Sprinkle chopped scallions or sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and added crunch.
• Adapt the veggies: Swap the green pepper for carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to suit your family’s preferences.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently over low heat to prevent drying out.

Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work particularly well for homemade slow cooker chicken, as they stay moist during the long cooking time.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and add roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced quick Asian chicken dinner.

Can this recipe be made healthier?

To reduce sugar, try using a sugar-free ketchup and cutting the brown sugar by half. The flavor will still be delicious in your easy mandarin chicken recipe.

How do I prevent the chicken from overcooking?

Stick to the recommended cooking time of 7-8 hours on low, and make sure your slow cooker isn’t too large for the amount of chicken.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist for your slow cooker orange chicken with rice.

Ready to Make This Slow-Cooked Mandarin Chicken?

If you’re craving a tender, flavorful dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying, this slow-cooked mandarin chicken is the answer. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with juicy chicken and a velvety mandarin orange sauce everyone will love. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy homemade slow cooker chicken? I’d love to hear your thoughts—leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations!