Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 0.5 cup sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water); 1 tsp ginger (grated); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange); 1 tbsp green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Okay, picture this: I’m it’s a Friday night, you’re craving takeout but the thought of waiting an hour (and paying those extra dollars) is mind blowing. What makes you want to collapse on a couch?Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.When someone comes to the rescue, he or she What’s that sweet, tangy, and savory thing going on, just like your favorite restaurant version? I think it’s even better. Is it easier than General Tso’s chicken? Is there a way to ditch delivery apps for good? This one has been a family favorite for years and now I’m ready to share with you!

What is easy orange chicken?

What is happiness in a bowl? Is it a crispy chicken breast coated in melted butter? Is Chinese takeout healthier? How do I customize a website?Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.Is that it takes familiar flavors and combines them in a way that’s both comforting and exciting? Is it too spicy or too sweet? Is it a classic?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What do I love about this book?Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.Is that it hits all the right notes? I love the flavor, the ease, and the fact that even my pickiest eater loves it.

Flavor explosion: WhatThe orange sauce is the star here. It’s got that sweet citrus tang that just irresistible. Is there that artificial syrupy taste that bothers me in takeout?
Seriously Simple: What isIs it true that we are not talking about hours in the kitchen? What is a 30 minute meal?
Budget Friendly:Why don’t we get takeout prices? What are some ingredients in your pantry? What are some of the best ingredients for a healthy diet?
What is Versatility for Days?Serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even on lettuce wraps for a lighter option. What are some good ways to toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas? It’s your world, and we’re living in it.

If you love quick and easy Asian-inspired dishes, you might also want to check out my sweet and sour recipe. What are some of my favorite recipes for chicken or sesame? Is this true?Easy Orange Chicken Recipes.What is your new go-to restaurant?

How do I make easy orange chicken?

Quick Overview

What’s the lowdown? I’m going to lightly bread some chicken pieces, quickly pan-fry them until they’re golden brown brown. How do you make homemade orange sauce? What is the secret of this recipe? A little bit of orange zest and fresh ginger.Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.Is that it all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights? Is going out to eat easier than going to the gym?

Ingredients Notes:

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts: What Cut into bite-sized pieces. I prefer chicken breasts but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Cornstarch:What makes chicken extra crispy?
Egg:How does cornstarch stick to chicken?
Salt and pepper: What is the bestWhy everything needs a little seasoning?
Oil:When frying chicken, use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

What is the orange sauce?

Orange juice:Freshly squeezed is always best, but store bought works in a pinch.
Orange zest: Don’t skip this! It adds a ton of bright orange flavor.
Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess.
Sugar: For sweetness, of course.
Ginger:How do I get fresh grated cheese?
Garlic:Why is garlic so good?
Red pepper flakes: What are someI’m not a fan of spices. Omit it.
Cornstarch:How do you thicken a sauce?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Add the cornstarch and toss again until the chicken is evenly coated. Make sure each piece is coated in cornstarch. Trust me on this step.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and whisk to combine. This will ensure your sauce doesn’t clump up.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when done.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate. Then, add the chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

6. What to Serve It With

What to Serve It With

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

For a Classic Dinner: Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice. A side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables is a perfect complement. A family favorite in my house is with stir-fried green beans!

For a Lighter Option: Serve in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots and cucumbers. A side of edamame is a great addition. You could even try serving it over quinoa for extra protein.

For a Fun Appetizer: Serve the orange chicken on skewers for a party appetizer. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. I love to add a small dipping bowl of the orange sauce for extra flavor.

For a Quick Lunch: Pack it in a bento box with rice and a side salad. It’s great warm or cold. Just make sure to store the sauce separately if you’re packing it ahead of time.

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When my family has a movie night, they love to eat this. 200-250 words.

7. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Orange Chicken

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Orange Chicken

Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to make this the best Easy Orange Chicken Recipe ever:

Chicken Prep: Make sure the chicken pieces are all about the same size so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating them in cornstarch for extra crispiness. This prevents it from steaming in the pan!

Mixing Advice: Don’t overcook the chicken. It should be golden brown and cooked through, but still juicy. Overcooking will make it dry and tough. I usually start checking for doneness around 3 minutes per side.

Orange Sauce: For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. You can also add a splash of orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier, to the sauce. The zest makes a HUGE difference!

Ingredient Swaps: You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar in the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. And if you want to add more heat, use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes.

Baking Tips: If you prefer not to fry the chicken, you can bake it instead. Toss the coated chicken with a tablespoon of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer!

Glaze Variations: For a thicker glaze, add a little extra cornstarch to the sauce. For a thinner glaze, add a little extra orange juice or water. You can also add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a glossy, rich finish.

I personally love adding some sesame oil to the sauce at the end! It adds such a lovely nutty aroma. The important thing is to taste and adjust the sauce to your preference. 300-350 words.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to store any leftovers (if there are any!) of your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:

Room Temperature: I would not recommend storing it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grows fast at room temperature!

Refrigerator Storage: Store the orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the sauce separately from the chicken to prevent it from getting soggy.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the orange chicken. Spread the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the orange chicken, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after reheating. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy. I sometimes put it in the air fryer to keep the crispiness! 200-250 words.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free breading or gluten-free flour blend for the chicken. Make sure to check all your ingredients for hidden gluten!

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Toss the chicken with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. You can also use an air fryer for a similar result.

What can I substitute for the rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Just use a little less, as they are more acidic than rice vinegar.

How can I make this spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also serve with a side of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots are all great additions. Add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender-crisp.

9. Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite Easy Orange Chicken Recipe that’s quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how easy it is to make and how much better it is than takeout. I am so thrilled to finally be sharing it with you. If you love this recipe, you may also love my sweet and sour chicken or my honey garlic chicken. Both recipes are just as quick and easy to make and are perfect for busy weeknights.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below. And if you try any variations, please share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas! Enjoy! 150-200 words.