If you’re like me, you probably love a dish that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor. After trying this Easy Orange Chicken recipe, I couldn’t believe how much it reminded me of my favorite takeout, but better. The crispy chicken combined with a sweet and tangy orange sauce had me hooked, and I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with you all. It’s a perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness, making it a meal you’ll want to whip up time and time again. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen!
Credit: cookinwithmima
Ingredients
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful dish, along with some tips to ensure perfection.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts works best for even cooking and a tender texture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy preparation.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): This binds to the chicken, creating a light, crispy coating when cooked. Don’t skip this vital ingredient!
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons total): Used for pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Orange juice (¾ cup): Choose fresh or store-bought with no pulp to achieve the signature citrusy flavor.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory balance to the sweet sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Introduces a bright, zesty note that enhances the orange flavor.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Provides sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy sauce.
- Orange zest (zest from 1 medium orange): This amplifies the citrus flavor. Make sure to zest only the outer peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Fresh ginger (½ teaspoon, grated): Infuses warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must-have for its unmistakable aroma and taste.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds subtle heat without overwhelming the dish. Adjust to taste.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people, making it great for a family meal or leftovers the next day.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try one of these variations to customize your orange chicken to your liking!
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no adjustments needed.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, such as tamari.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Heat It Up: Add a dash more red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for a spicy twist.
- Chicken Thighs: Want even more juiciness? Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs.
For another flavorful chicken dish, you might enjoy this One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, which is equally easy and delicious.
Cooking Time
This orange chicken recipe can be ready before you know it. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need to set aside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have these tools ready to make cooking a breeze.
- Cutting board – For slicing the chicken into even pieces.
- Sharp knife – A good-quality knife ensures quick and precise cutting.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need one for the chicken coating and another for the sauce.
- Non-stick skillet – Essential for frying the chicken to a crispy golden brown.
- Tongs – Perfect for flipping the chicken pieces while keeping your hands safe.
- Zester or grater – For creating delicate orange zest.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken?
Making this dish is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to orange chicken perfection.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch in a bowl until every piece is coated. This step ensures the chicken crisps up beautifully when cooked.
Mix the Sauce
Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk everything together to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. Set this aside; you’ll need it shortly.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on medium-high until hot. Cook the chicken in two batches so each piece fries to golden-brown perfection without overcrowding the pan. Each batch should take about 4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Simmer the Sauce
With the skillet still hot, pour in the prepared sauce. It’ll quickly bubble and thicken, creating that signature sticky, glossy texture. Use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly in the sauce. Once everything is well-combined and warmed through, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy immediately!
Credit: christieathome
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Having made this recipe myself, I’ve picked up a few tips to take it to the next level.
- Prep everything ahead of time, from the chicken to the sauce, so you can focus on cooking without rushing.
- Don’t crowd the skillet. Frying in smaller batches ensures the chicken comes out crispy every time.
- Freshly grate the ginger and garlic to maximize flavor. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
- If you’re looking for extra crunch, sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch on the chicken before adding it back to the sauce.
For more chicken inspiration, check out this Chicken Scampi Recipe, which is another crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken?
Presentation is key when serving up this beautiful dish. Here’s how you can make it shine.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or even quinoa for a healthy twist.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and texture.
- Add a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or snow peas to round out the meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also balanced in nutrients. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 336
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 14g
Make Ahead and Storage
Life gets busy, and this recipe is great for meal prep!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is possible, keep in mind that the chicken’s crispiness may not hold up. Freeze for up to 3 months if needed.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat to maintain its flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is more than just a meal – it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll love it.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 30 minutes to make.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
- Better than takeout: Get all the flavor without leaving the house (or the steep price!).
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a saucy, crispy chicken dish that’s full of flavor!
- Packed with flavor: The sweet, tangy sauce paired with crispy chicken is simply irresistible.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to make Easy Orange Chicken, it’s time to grab your skillet and start cooking! Your taste buds are in for a real treat. Enjoy! If you enjoy chicken dishes like this, you can also explore other chicken recipes for more inspiration.