Why Make This Recipe
Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that brings together the sweetness of orange, the savory flavor of soy sauce, and tender chicken. It’s a popular choice for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, it is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
How to Make Orange Chicken
Making Orange Chicken is quite simple. Follow these easy steps, and you will have a tasty dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 orange, zested
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
- In another small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Orange Chicken
Serve Orange Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables. You can also pair it with noodles if you prefer. The garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds add a nice touch and extra flavor.
How to Store Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the Orange Chicken cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Orange Chicken
- Make sure to cut the chicken into evenly-sized pieces for even cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch to the mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of honey according to your taste.
Variation
You can make a healthier version of Orange Chicken by using baked chicken instead of frying. Just marinate the chicken in the orange sauce and bake it in the oven until cooked through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. Can I make Orange Chicken spicy?
Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
3. What can I use if I don’t have soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. This is also a good option for those who are gluten-free.
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 orange zested
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
- In another small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.