Go Back
Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is your solution for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that tastes like it came from your favorite take-out spot, but is incredibly simple to make at home. Get ready for a taste of sweet, tangy perfection!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: asian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice from about 1-2 oranges
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • toasted sesame seeds Optional garnishes
  • sliced green onions Optional garnishes

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small Bowl
  • Paper towels
  • - Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the cut chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly. Ensure each piece is well-covered with the dry mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture.
    1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger. In a separate very small bowl or cup, whisk together the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with the 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. This slurry will be used to thicken our delicious sauce.
    1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup water
  4. Wipe out the skillet if there's excessive oil, or add a teaspoon of fresh oil if needed. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup water
  5. Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened orange sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Let it simmer for another minute to ensure the chicken is heated through and well-coated in the glossy sauce.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  6. Serve your Easy Orange Chicken immediately. It's fantastic served over steamed white or brown rice, with a side of steamed broccoli or other vegetables. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
    toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or microwave.
QR Code linking back to recipe