Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

When it comes to family gatherings or cozy winter evenings, few dishes can create as much excitement as a good Easy Orange Chicken. Picture this: tender chicken pieces lightly coated in a crispy, golden crust, all brought together by a mouthwatering sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s savory, it’s slightly sweet, and that delightful crunch is absolutely irresistible! What makes this dish even more special is how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, if you’re a fan of easy weeknight dinners, you might also enjoy my Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe, which brings its own zesty charm to the table.

Have a seat, and let’s dive into this sumptuous dish that even your picky eaters will love!

What is Easy Orange Chicken Recipe?

So what’s the deal with calling it Easy Orange Chicken? Is there a secret, culinary ninja behind its name, or does it simply describe how effortless it is to whip up? Legend has it that this recipe originated from the bustling kitchens of Chinese restaurants. The key to its popularity? The flavor-packed orange sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, this dish will surely win hearts around your dining table. Are you ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Easy Orange Chicken will not only steal the spotlight at your next meal, but it also checks off many boxes that anyone can appreciate. First off, its crispy texture and juicy chicken pieces drizzled with a sweet orange glaze create a symphony of flavor that delights the palate. Cooking at home saves you money and ensures you know exactly what goes into your meal. Forget takeout; this dish is a fraction of the cost!

Need a little crunch? Toss on some toasted sesame seeds or additional green onions before serving for that extra flair. If you adore chicken dishes like Chicken Teriyaki but crave a different taste profile, this easy recipe is the perfect alternative. So grab your apron, and let’s bring this dish to life!

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Quick Overview

Who doesn’t love a dish that is easy to prepare yet satisfying to the stomach? This Easy Orange Chicken features irresistibly tender chicken pieces enveloped in a crunchy coat, swimming in a luscious orange sauce. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and about 20 minutes to cook, you can have a delectable meal ready in less than an hour!

Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, for garnish

Make sure to check that your soy sauce is halal-certified!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce will bring harmony to your dish with its sweet and tangy zing!
3. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and a tablespoon of water to create a light batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the chicken sizzles when it hits the pan.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in batches, frying them until they are beautifully golden and crispy. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes per batch. Ensure they are evenly cooked and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Add the Sauce: Once all the chicken is cooked, carefully pour the orange sauce over the crispy chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve your delicious Easy Orange Chicken hot over a steaming bed of rice or alongside crispy vegetables!

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

1. Substitutions: For a twist, try adding honey instead of sugar for a deeper sweetness. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly option!
2. Timing: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken to achieve that ultimate crunch. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Common Mistakes: Always ensure your oil is hot before adding the chicken; if it’s not hot enough, the coating may become soggy instead of crispy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store your Easy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it; just remember to use it within two months for the best taste.

To reheat, you can use the stovetop to bring back that crispy texture. Heat on medium-low, adding a splash of water or more sauce to keep it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through. You could also use a microwave, but be aware that this may soften the chicken.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe today! Your family will be thanking you with every delicious bite. Enjoy!

Easy Orange Chicken

A quick and delicious dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed is ideal.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce Ensure it is halal-certified.
• 1/4 cup sugar Can substitute with honey for a sweeter flavor.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used for coating the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying the chicken.
• 1 clove garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated Fresh ginger enhances the sauce.
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken.
• Green onions, for garnish Adds freshness to the dish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Begin by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger for the orange sauce.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a batter. Dip each piece of chicken into the batter.

Cooking

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per batch.
3. Once all chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce over it in the skillet and stir gently. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Serving

1. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or with vegetables.

Notes

For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months.