PF
🍳
StovetopComplexity

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. 1Coat the bottom of a 4-quart or larger slow cooker with nonstick spray. Arrange the chicken in the bottom, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. 2In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low, until the chicken registers 165°F and is cooked through. With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let cool slightly. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3With a mesh sieve, strain the sauce into a bowl or measuring cup. Discard the solids, then return the liquid to the slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker heat to high. Mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker sauce. Cover and cook on high until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring it often. Return the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce. Serve with prepared rice, sprinkled with green onions and toasted almonds or sesame seeds as desired.

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

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.

🍳

Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Slow Cooker · 10 servings

70g protein540 cal11g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Stovetop · 8 servings

59g protein530 cal14g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan
Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna

Slow Cooker · 6 servings

63g protein490 cal8g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan
Beef Bacon Pasta Bake

Beef Bacon Pasta Bake

Stovetop · 10 servings

67g protein600 cal18g fat
Complexity
View Recipe →+ Plan