Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs

Name: Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced fresh carrots; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, divided; 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 5 hours

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Here's a quick-prep recipe for tender, flavorful chicken in a tangy tomato-based sauce. You can easily double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your slow cooker. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Ingredients

2 cups sliced fresh carrots
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 cup orange juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons grated orange zest, divided
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Directions

In a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 12 ingredients. Stir in 1 teaspoon orange zest. Add chicken; spoon sauce over top. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until chicken is tender.
Remove to a serving platter. Stir lemon juice and remaining orange zest into sauce; pour over chicken. Sprinkle with bacon.

Nutrition Facts

1 chicken thigh with 1/2 cup sauce: 248 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.

Recipe Creator