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Quick and Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

This Quick and Easy Orange Chicken recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken bites coated in a tangy, flavorful orange sauce in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines savory soy, zesty citrus, and a hint of sweetness for a crowd-pleasing result served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 or 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon canola or other cooking oil

Orange Sauce

  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2–3 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or a frozen cube
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Serving (Optional)

  • Cooked rice or noodles
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated for a crisp texture when cooked.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of cooking oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden, crisp on the outside, and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Cook in batches if needed.
  3. Make the Sauce: While chicken cooks, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will thicken when heated.
  4. Cook the Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Let it bubble and thicken, frequently scraping the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate deep flavors.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to thoroughly coat each piece in the glossy orange sauce. If not serving immediately, keep heat very low to prevent the sauce from becoming too sticky.
  6. Serve: Plate the orange chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

  • To avoid soggy chicken, do not crowd the pan when cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or omit for no spice.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
  • Freshly grated ginger delivers more vibrant flavor than powdered.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, or keep warm on low heat.
  • Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier texture.
  • For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Quick Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Chinese Takeout Copycat, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Weeknight Meal

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/quick-and-easy-orange-chicken-recipe/