This is your next most-loved dish for dinner: Orange Chicken! If you’ve ever wanted the savory sweet delight of orange chicken at your favorite restaurant the homemade version is sure to change your life. It’s packed with a blast of orange and a sticky sauce that coats the crisp chicken bites This recipe is not simple, but it’s also a treat to your tastes!
Introduction
Orange Chicken is an American Chinese classic that blends the citrusy taste of orange with the savory taste of soy sauce and the warming taste of garlic and ginger. This recipe is ideal for dinners on the go that require a warm and easy to prepare dish. Crispy chicken covered in a delicious sauce It’s healthier and faster alternative to take-out.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
For an ideal Orange Chicken, make the following ingredients:
- Chicken 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Cornstarch 3 Tablespoons (to coat the chicken and to make the sauce thicker)
- Olive Oil Three tablespoons split
- Orange Juice: 3/4 cup, no pulp
- Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (packed)
- Orange Zest Zest derived from a medium orange
- Ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Cut Scallions Optional garnish
Alternatives to chicken thighs: instead of breasts fresh squeezed juice of orange, alter the sugar to make it less sweet.
How to Make Orange Chicken – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the chicken in pieces that are bite-sized. Sprinkle with salt and pepper Then, coat the chicken with cornstarch.
- Mix the ingredients of the sauce including: the juice of an orange, soy sauce brown sugar, lemon juice and ginger, orange zest garlic, red pepper flake.
Step2: Cook the Chicken
- 2. Place 2 teaspoons olive oil into a pan on medium-high.
- Cook the chicken pieces in one layer for around 4 minutes. Flip them over and cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Continue cooking the rest of the chicken.
Step3: Make the Sauce
- Remove the stove from heat and add the sauce to the heated skillet. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken within a matter of minutes.
- Scrape off the bits of browned chicken from the pan. Return the chicken that has been cooked to evenly coat in the sauce.
Helpful Tips for Orange Chicken
- Preparation Make sure to prepare all ingredients prior to starting. The recipe is fast!
- Citrus Zesting Beware of the white pith to get an even citrus taste.
- Cooking Cooking chicken in small portions for crisp and crispy texture.
Cooking Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Freshly grated ginger is best to get a more vibrant flavor.
- Opt for a splatter-guard to reduce the cleanup.
- Try a cast iron pan to cook evenly.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken
Enjoy the Orange Chicken with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Lo mein, rice noodles, or a combination of both.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or scallions to add a touch of flair
Nutritional Information
per serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 15g
Storage and Leftovers for Orange Chicken
- Refrigerate Storage: Keep in an airtight container 3-4 days or more.
- Reheat: Warm over low in a skillet.
- Freeze Storage: Keep it for three months or more, although crispness could decrease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Orange Chicken
- Do I have to use for thighs in place of chicken?
Yes, skinless and boneless thighs are great for this recipe. - Do I have to create it to be spicy?
You can add red pepper flakes, or a pinch of Sriracha for a bit of heat. - What happens if you don’t own fresh orange juice?
Bottled juice is good, however, fresh squeezed juice is suggested for the best flavor. - Do I have to prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately, and mix them together just before serving.
Related Recipes for Orange Chicken Lovers
For more Asian-inspired dishes look into the Optimal Recipes for recipes like:
- Braised Beef with Blue Cheese Sauce – Easy Dinner Ideas
- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie – Easy Thanksgiving Recipe
- Sausage Cheese Dip – Best Easy Appetizer Idea
Conclusion
Try the Orange Chicken recipe give it a shot and tell us how it went! It’s the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, as well as sweet, that make your dinner memorable. Do not forget to post your recipes or modifications by leaving a comment below. Enjoy cooking!
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Orange Chicken Best Quick Dinner Recipe Easy to Make
Description
Welcome to your next favorite dinner recipe: Orange Chicken! If you’ve ever craved the savory-sweet delight of orange chicken from your favorite takeout spot, this homemade version will be a game-changer. Packed with a burst of citrus and a sticky sauce coating crispy chicken bites, this recipe is not only easy but also a treat for your taste buds!
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (to coat chicken and thicken the sauce)
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
- Orange Juice: ¾ cup, no pulp
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (packed)
- Orange Zest: Zest from one medium orange
- Ginger: ½ teaspoon, freshly grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Chopped Scallions: Optional garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat with cornstarch.
- Mix the sauce ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Cook half the chicken pieces in a single layer for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Turn off the heat and pour the sauce into the hot skillet. It will bubble and thicken within a minute.
- Scrape up browned bits from the pan and return the cooked chicken to coat evenly in the sauce.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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- Preparation: Prep all ingredients before starting. The recipe moves fast!
- Orange Zesting: Avoid the white pith for a balanced citrus flavor.
- Cooking: Cook chicken in small batches for a crispy texture.