Irresistible Orange Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly cooked Orange Chicken wafting through your kitchen. The sweet and tangy scent dances around, inviting everyone to gather. Imagine a crispy exterior giving way to tender chicken, all enveloped in a vibrant orange glaze that sings with flavor. Peach Cobbler for a sweet finish Cajun Chicken Pasta for a hearty meal That’s right, this Orange Chicken recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that can turn any mundane dinner into a delightful feast. You might also enjoy this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.

Every time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to my college days when takeout was the norm. My friends and I would huddle around the table, eagerly digging into platters of Orange Chicken, laughing and recounting stories from our chaotic lives. Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi for a cozy dinner It became a staple for our get-togethers and still brings a smile to my face whenever I prepare it. Now, let’s get ready to create your own memories with this delectable dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

I still remember the first time I made this dish and how my family was completely blown away by the flavor explosion.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 3-4 chicken breasts work best for this recipe; feel free to adjust based on the crowd.

• Fresh Garlic: Select firm and fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor; no one likes sad garlic.

• Fresh Ginger: A small piece adds warming spice; go for the good stuff—no powdered ginger here!

• Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice creates the best balance of sweetness and acidity; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while keeping that umami punch intact.

• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of sweetness; dark brown sugar gives an extra layer of richness. For more inspiration, check out this Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders recipe.

• Rice Vinegar: A splash brings brightness; don’t skip this unless you want a dull flavor profile.

• Cornstarch: Essential for coating the chicken and achieving that coveted crispy texture; trust me on this one.

• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances nuttiness; it makes everything better, don’t argue!

• Green Onions: Sliced thinly as garnish adds freshness; they’re like confetti for your plate.

For the Sauce:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for those who enjoy a kick; sprinkle according to your heat preference.

• Water: To help dissolve cornstarch into your sauce mixture smoothly without lumps.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together!

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Coat Your Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are well coated. This step guarantees maximum crispiness during frying.

Heat Things Up: In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame oil until hot. You want that sizzle when adding your chicken!

Sauté Until Golden: Add the chicken in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan—about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Create Your Sauce: In another bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well combined.

Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over your golden chicken in the skillet. Stir well and cook until it thickens slightly—about 3-4 minutes should do nicely!

Serve your Orange Chicken over steamed rice or noodles topped with sliced green onions. Enjoy every bite as you reminisce about those unforgettable moments shared around the table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sauté until golden brown before adding the sauce for that perfect glaze.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp! You can also add some heat with red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain texture.

Cooking this orange chicken recipe brings back memories of my college days when I tried impressing my friends with homemade takeout. Chicken Tinga Tacos for a taco night Spoiler: They loved it!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this orange chicken recipe?

Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking for best results.

What should I serve with orange chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce while cooking, stirring until it thickens nicely.

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Orange Chicken

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Orange Chicken is a delightful blend of crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze. This easy recipe transforms your kitchen into a fragrant haven, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. With just the right balance of flavors, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to create unforgettable memories around the dinner table with this crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 3-4)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Water as needed

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss chicken in cornstarch until well coated for maximum crispiness.
3. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling.
4. Cook chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir well. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened.
7. Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg