Orange Chicken Recipe
This vibrant Orange Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and chili. Perfectly browned and coated in a luscious, thickened glaze, this dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite size pieces)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 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
Garnish (Optional)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: 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, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, minced ginger, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic chili sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken. Stir to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry and Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Adjust the garlic chili sauce to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Chicken thigh meat can be substituted for breast for a juicier texture.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Keywords: orange chicken, Chinese-American chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, Asian chicken stir-fry, skillet orange chicken
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/orange-chicken-recipe/
