Dinner

Orange Chicken Recipe

ByClara Bennett March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Introduction

This vibrant Orange Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. It’s a delightful dish that brings bright citrus flavors to your dinner table, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.

A close-up view of a stainless steel pan filled with small, tender pieces of cooked chicken in a golden-brown sauce, topped with scattered chopped green onions, giving a splash of green color. On the left side of the pan, two bright orange slices rest against the chicken, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast. A large silver spoon stands inside the pan on the right side, catching some sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a white bowl visible in the background and more orange slices around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite size pieces)
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, about 2 oranges)
Zest from 1 orange
1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Green onions (optional garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are browned and mostly cooked through.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, minced ginger, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic chili sauce.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring to evenly coat all pieces.
Step 5: In another small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously as it simmers for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, you can coat chicken pieces lightly with cornstarch before cooking.
Adjust the garlic chili sauce to your heat preference or substitute with sriracha.
Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers to the skillet for a complete one-pan meal.
Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor instead of bottled juice.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s texture.