Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute love for this orange chicken recipe! There’s just something magical about that crispy chicken, perfectly coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that dances on your taste buds. I can still remember the first time I had it at my favorite Chinese restaurant—each bite was a burst of flavor that left me craving more. It’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in Chinese cuisine and a favorite for so many. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this orange chicken is sure to steal the show. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Orange Chicken Recipe
To make this delicious orange chicken, you’ll need some simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with 1 pound of diced chicken breast, which is the star of the dish! For the sauce, gather 1 cup of fresh orange juice and 1/2 cup of soy sauce, which adds that savory depth. You’ll also want 1/4 cup of sugar for sweetness, along with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic for that aromatic kick! Finally, have 1/4 cup of chopped green onions on hand for garnish and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly special!
How to Prepare Orange Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this mouthwatering orange chicken! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. First, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the chicken, so it gets that lovely golden brown color. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
While the chicken is sizzling away, grab a bowl and mix together 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. This sauce is where the magic happens! Pour this delicious mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan, and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully. Now, in a separate small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry. Add this to the pan and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Finally, garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and voila! You’ve got a stunning dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success with Orange Chicken Recipe
To take your orange chicken to the next level, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar in the sauce to match your taste—some like it sweeter, and others prefer a tangier kick. For that extra crunch, consider coating the chicken pieces in a light dusting of flour before frying; it makes a world of difference! Also, if you’re looking for a quick flavor boost, adding a splash of rice vinegar can brighten everything up. And remember, the key to a great sauce is stirring continuously when adding the cornstarch slurry—this ensures it thickens beautifully without clumping. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Sweet and tangy flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable sweetness to fit your taste preferences.
- Gluten-free option available by substituting soy sauce.
- Delicious served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information for Orange Chicken Recipe
This orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also offers a satisfying balance of nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a tasty option for your meals. You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, with only 1 gram being saturated fat. In terms of carbohydrates, it has around 40 grams, including 15 grams of sugar. Plus, it packs in 25 grams of protein, making it a filling dish. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover orange chicken can be a delightful treat! To store it properly, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quicker option—just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy that deliciousness once more without losing any of that fabulous flavor!
FAQ about Orange Chicken Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One of the most common ones is, Can I make this orange chicken recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook it just before serving for the freshest taste. What if I don’t have soy sauce? No worries! You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. Can I use frozen chicken? Sure thing! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you start cooking for even results. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, tofu works wonderfully instead of chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken Recipe
To make your orange chicken shine even brighter, I love serving it over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice or silky noodles. The rice soaks up that delicious sauce beautifully, while the noodles add a nice twist! You can also throw in some stir-fried veggies on the side, like broccoli or snap peas, for a pop of color and crunch. Trust me, it’s a winning combo that’ll impress everyone!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!
For tips on cooking chicken, you can refer to Healthline’s nutrition guide.
Print
Orange Chicken Recipe: 7 Irresistible Tips to Success
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious orange chicken recipe that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water and add to the pan.
- Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your taste preference.
- For extra crunch, coat the chicken in flour before frying.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: orange chicken recipe, chicken, orange sauce, Chinese cuisine