Oh, Orange Chicken! Just the name brings back such delightful memories! I remember the first time I tried it at a cozy little Chinese takeout spot in my hometown. I was about twelve, and the bright, sweet scent of oranges and golden crispy chicken enveloped me the moment I walked in. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked—the combination of tangy citrus and savory chicken was like a warm hug on a plate.

This dish has since become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I want something that fills the house with enticing aromas and brings smiles to the dinner table. Today, I want to share my beloved Orange Chicken recipe with you. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough for guests. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering experience together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you might already have.
• Bright and balanced flavors that comfort and satisfy.
• Customizable—you can adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your taste!
• Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Ingredients

Let’s gather what we need! Here’s a clear and organized list of everything for our Orange Chicken:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
  • Zest of 1 orange (don’t skip this for an extra burst of flavor!)
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to your taste!)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for a little heat!)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s cook! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Orange Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. Toss the chicken pieces into the mixture until they are well coated. This will create that lovely crispy texture we crave!
2. Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking!), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remember not to overcrowd the pan, or they won’t crisp up nicely! Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, bring together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—about 2-3 minutes. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and drizzle that luscious orange sauce all over. Toss them gently to ensure each piece gets coated. Let it simmer for another minute. Just look at that golden glaze!
6. Garnish and Serve: Serve your Orange Chicken warm, garnished with some sesame seeds or sliced green onions for that extra pop of color. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

And voila! Your homemade Orange Chicken is ready to shine on your dinner table.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this dish your own!

• Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding some sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh; just make sure to press out the moisture before frying for the best texture.
• Citrus Variety: Mix it up! Try using lemon or lime juice in place of some of the orange juice for a refreshing twist.
• Add Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas when combining the chicken and sauce for a colorful veggie boost!

Feel free to get creative—cooking should be fun and personalized! Experiment and find what flavors excite your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s set the scene for a lovely dinner! I love to serve my Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice—there’s something wonderful about the way the rice absorbs that tangy sauce. You could also go for some light steamed broccoli or a crunchy Asian-inspired salad as a fresh side.

Don’t forget a little garnish! Some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions really elevate the dish and add visual appeal. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a side of egg rolls or dumplings will make for a fabulous feast!

Storage Tips

Did you end up with some delicious leftovers? No worries! To refrigerate, place the cooled Chicken in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat it in a skillet over low heat to retain that crispy texture, or microwave it for about a minute if you’re in a hurry.

If you want to freeze it, store the chicken separately from the sauce. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as mentioned above. Freshness is key, so let’s keep that vibrant flavor intact!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine, though it may not be as juicy as thighs. Just be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender!

What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

Rice is a classic pairing, but you can also enjoy it with noodles, steamed veggies, or even a light salad. Get creative!

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time, then combine and heat them up together when you’re ready to serve.

How spicy is this recipe?

The original recipe is not spicy, but you can always add chili flakes or sriracha if you like some heat! Just adjust to your taste.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

You technically can, but I highly recommend using fresh orange juice for the best flavor. It’s worth the extra squeeze, I promise!

Conclusion

There you have it! Your very own Orange Chicken that’s bound to become a family favorite just like it has in my home. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do and that it brings warmth and joy to your dining table. Please feel free to leave a comment below about your experience with this recipe or how you customized it. Happy cooking, my friend! Your delicious adventure awaits!

Savory Orange Chicken Recipe Unlock Flavor with Easy Tech

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a delicious Orange Chicken recipe that brings savory flavors to your table Easy tech delivers gourmet taste in no time 153 characters

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

½ cup cornstarch

1 large egg

½ teaspoon salt

⅓ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)

Zest of 1 orange

⅓ cup soy sauce

⅓ cup sugar

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth. Toss in chicken pieces until coated.

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Heat until sugar dissolves.

Add cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring until glossy (2-3 minutes).

Combine fried chicken with sauce and let simmer for an additional minute.

Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Notes

A flavorful, easy-to-make Orange Chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Chinese Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner