Amazing Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Name: Amazing Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup chicken stock; 1 cup orange juice; 1 cup orange marmalade; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons molasses, optional; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; Hot cooked rice; Optional toppings: chopped green onions, peanuts and fresh cilantro

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Cook: 4-1/2 hours YIELD: 8 servings.

I love Chinese takeout food, but I know that it’s very high in sodium and fat. So I got to work at home and created a healthier version. Now I have peace of mind knowing what ingredients are in this slow cooker orange chicken and that it’s better for my family. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

Ingredients

1 cup chicken stock
1 cup orange juice
1 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons molasses, optional
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Hot cooked rice
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, peanuts and fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients; stir in molasses if desired. In a 4-qt. slow cooker, combine chicken, cornstarch, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Top with red pepper. Pour stock mixture over top. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is tender.
2. Stir in broccoli. Cover and cook on high 30-40 minutes longer or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Serve with rice. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 319 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 63 mg cholesterol, 891 mg sodium, 50 g carbohydrate (36 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 25 g protein.