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Orange Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Orange Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

This Orange Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic takeout favorite at home. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are coated and fried to a crispy golden brown then tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce made with fresh ingredients. Perfect for meal prepping, this recipe can be prepared fresh or frozen for later, making dinner both easy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for the sauce)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • Fresh green onion, sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Orange Sauce

  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, pureed or minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Add the diced chicken and turn to coat each piece thoroughly with the mixture.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, water, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth.
  5. Cook the Sauce: Pour the orange sauce mixture into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1–2 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Combine and Serve: Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked chicken and toss gently to coat. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, then serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
  7. Freeze for Later: For meal prep, place the uncooked sauce mixture into a labeled gallon-sized freezer bag and seal, removing as much air as possible. Place the cooked and cooled chicken into a separate labeled gallon-sized freezer bag. To keep both components together, place the sauce bag inside the chicken bag and freeze.
  8. Reheating Frozen Meal: When ready to serve, thaw the orange sauce bag quickly by placing it in a bowl of hot water. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place frozen chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until heated through. Transfer sauce to a saucepan, bring to a boil while stirring continuously, then reduce heat and simmer 1–2 minutes until thickened. Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor in the orange sauce.
  • If preferred, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • You can prepare this recipe completely fresh or freeze components separately for later use.
  • Ensure you coat the chicken evenly for crispy texture when frying.
  • Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to maintain crispiness.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange chicken, freezer meal, meal prep, easy dinner, Chinese-American recipe, sticky orange sauce, crispy chicken

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/orange-chicken-freezer-meal-recipe-2/