Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Easy Orange Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish in just 25 minutes. The tangy, sweet orange sauce perfectly coats tender pieces of chicken for a takeout-inspired meal that’s fresher, healthier, and more affordable when made at home. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with green onions, this is weeknight cooking at its finest!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Orange: The star of the show! Provides both zest and juice for that authentic, fresh orange flavor that canned or bottled juice simply can’t match.
• Soy Sauce: Brings the savory umami backbone to balance the sweet and tangy elements.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of sweetness with its molasses notes, creating richness in the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides that subtle tang that cuts through the richness and balances the sweet elements.
• Fresh Ginger: Adds a warming spice note that’s essential in Asian-inspired cooking—don’t substitute powdered if possible!
• Garlic: Brings aromatic depth; freshly minced will give you the best flavor impact.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the dish.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of chicken.
• Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and forgiving than breast meat, staying juicy even with high-heat cooking.
• Egg: Creates a light coating that protects the chicken and helps the sauce adhere better.
• Rice: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast for serving.

Variations

Want to customize your orange chicken? Here are some delicious options:

• Vegetable Boost: Add broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the final cooking stage.
• Spice Level: Double the red pepper flakes for a spicier version, or add a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce.
• Protein Swap: Try this sauce with cubed tofu (pressed and cornstarch-coated) or chunks of pork tenderloin.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews over the finished dish.
• Citrus Twist: Substitute half the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical variation.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce

Zest your orange first, then juice it—you’ll need about 1 teaspoon of zest and 1/2 cup of juice. In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3/4-inch each. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until frothy. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they’re evenly coated with the egg mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Let them cook undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and continue cooking until the second side is golden and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Pour your prepared orange sauce into the same skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce come to a simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become glossy as it simmers for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat every piece with the glossy orange sauce. Heat for another minute to marry the flavors. Serve the orange chicken over hot rice, garnished with sliced green onions and any remaining orange zest.

How to Serve

Orange chicken is versatile when it comes to serving options:

Main Meal:

Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Complete the Spread:

Pair with simple steamed broccoli, a cucumber salad, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.

Presentation:

For a restaurant-style presentation, mound rice in the center of the plate, top with orange chicken, and arrange steamed vegetables around the edge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze rice separately for best results.

Reheating

Microwave: Heat on 70% power with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a covered pan with a tablespoon of water, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Chicken brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen table—without the wait or the cost. The bright, citrusy sauce perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, making each bite absolutely irresistible. It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can transform into something so delicious in just 25 minutes. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep, give this orange chicken a try and watch it become a regular in your cooking rotation!

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