PF
A top view of a roasted chicken dinner with fresh vegetables and citrus garnishes, perfect for festive gatherings.
Slow Cooker~50 minComplexity

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken delivers 53g protein and 381 calories per serving—a rare combination of high protein and controlled calories. Just 4 servings makes this ideal for shorter meal-prep windows, with quick prep fitting easily into your training schedule. Designed specifically for lifters optimizing the protein-to-calorie ratio during a cut.

Rate this recipe:

Ingredients

4 servings
  • Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(907g)

    Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Orange Juice, Reduced-Sugar(240g)
  • Honey(30g)
  • Soy Sauce, Low Sodium(30g)
  • Vinegar, Rice(15g)
  • Garlic(10g)
  • Ginger, Fresh Root(10g)
  • Red pepper flakes(3g)
  • Cornstarch(45g)
  • Rice, Brown, Long-Grain
  • Green Onion (Scallion)
  • Almonds, Roasted, Salted

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the chicken breast into 1½-inch pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. 2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
  3. 3In the same skillet over medium heat, add the minced fresh garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. 4Mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk into the simmering sauce and cook 2–3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. 5Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes over medium heat just until heated through.
  6. 6While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the brown rice according to package directions.
  7. 7Divide the cooked rice evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot, then top each with an equal portion of the orange chicken and sauce.
  8. 8Top each container with sliced green onions and roasted almonds just before serving, or store the garnishes separately and add when reheating.

Nutrition — Per Serving

381

calories

53g

protein

6g

fat

Carbohydrates
25g
Saturated fat
1.3g
Sodium
377 mg
Dietary fiber
0.5g

4 servings per batch · ~323g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

+ Add to Meal Plan

AI Swap Engine

Swap any ingredient and get recalculated macros instantly.

Set up your profile to unlock

Common questions

How much protein does Slow Cooker Orange Chicken have per serving?

Each serving delivers 53g of protein and 381 calories with only 6g fat and 25g carbs. This is an exceptionally lean protein source that fits easily into a high-protein daily intake without excess calories.

How long does Slow Cooker Orange Chicken take to prep?

Quick prep time with 4 servings per batch means you can meal prep a full week's worth in minimal active time. The slow cooker handles the cooking while you prep other components.

Is Slow Cooker Orange Chicken good for muscle gain?

At 53g protein per serving, this recipe is excellent for muscle gain phases targeting 180-200g daily protein. The lean macro profile and moderate carbs make it a reliable staple for building without excess fat gain.

Crockpot Lasagna

Slow Cooker · 6 servings

63g protein490 cal8g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Slow Cooker · 10 servings

70g protein540 cal11g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Stovetop · 8 servings

59g protein530 cal14g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan

Beef Bacon Pasta

Stovetop · 10 servings

67g protein600 cal18g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan