Craving takeout but short on time? Say hello to Easy Orange Chicken, your new weeknight hero! This recipe delivers that classic sweet and tangy flavor you love, but without the guilt or the hours spent in the kitchen. It’s quick, it’s healthy-ish, and it’s bursting with flavor. As a busy parent, I know the struggle of getting a delicious meal on the table fast. That’s precisely why I created this recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, orange chicken was always a special treat, something we looked forward to on family nights. Recreating that experience at home, but with a healthier, faster twist, has become a real joy. This recipe lets me share that nostalgic flavor with my family without sacrificing my time or well-being.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orange Sauce:
- 3/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed is best
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Orange zest, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the orange sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with orange zest and sesame seeds. Enjoy your Easy Orange Chicken!
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This will take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the orange sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with orange zest and sesame seeds. Enjoy your Easy Orange Chicken!
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