Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is just what you need! Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: The combination of citrusy orange, savory soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist.
- Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this Orange Chicken and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Season the chicken for added flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
- Chopped scallions (optional): Garnish for serving.
Sauce:
- Orange juice: Provides a citrusy and sweet base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a savory element.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce with a hint of acidity.
- Brown sugar: Gives the sauce a touch of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Orange zest: Adds a fragrant citrus flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Provides a warm and spicy kick.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat for those who like spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss to coat.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken in batches until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and pour the sauce into the skillet. Let it thicken before adding the chicken back in.
- Toss to coat and serve immediately with chopped scallions.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken for a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer before adding the chicken.
- Feel free to customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur for a boozy twist.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added crunch.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Easy Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh side salad. For drinks, try it with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make this Easy Orange Chicken recipe, give it a try and impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade meal. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Chopped scallions optional, for serving
Sauce:
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cut and Coat Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-size pieces, season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil in a hot skillet.
- Add Sauce: Pour sauce into the skillet, thicken, and add chicken back in to coat.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook for a quick process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg