Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will leave everyone at the table smiling, this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is just what you need! This dish has quickly become one of my favorites because it’s packed with flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The homemade orange sauce is what really makes this dish shine. It’s sweet, tangy, and so much better than takeout! Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and tweak it to your taste. So let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory flavors—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Wholesome Ingredients: With fresh orange juice and chicken, you know exactly what’s going into your meal.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles; it’s a fantastic base for endless meal ideas.
• Customizable Heat: Want some spice? Add chili flakes to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find! Here’s what you need to whip up your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:

For the Chicken

• 6 whole boneless chicken thighs (or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins)
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. corn starch
• 1 tsp. black pepper (or less to taste, fresh ground)
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. ginger powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. paprika (to add color to the chicken)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 1½ tbsp. corn starch
• 2 tbsps. vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tbsps. brown sugar
• ½ tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp. black pepper (fresh ground)
• 1 tsp. orange zest
• Chili flakes (optional to add heat)

Variations

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is quite flexible! Here are a few variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process for added nutrition.
• Make it crispy: Try baking the chicken instead of frying for a healthier twist with less oil.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken into ½ inch cube pieces and placing them in a bowl. Add in all those wonderful spices: flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder to coat the chicken evenly. This step helps create a flavorful crust when frying!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

In a deep frying pan, bring vegetable oil to medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be juicy and tender!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While your chicken is frying, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients in another bowl. This includes fresh orange juice, corn starch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, and orange zest. Mixing these together will create that irresistible sweet-tangy flavor.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Transfer your crispy fried chicken into a hot non-stick skillet or frying pan along with the sauce mixture you just prepared. Let everything simmer together on low heat for about 1-2 minutes until thickened beautifully—this allows all those flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your delicious orange chicken with homemade Lo Mein Noodles or fluffy white rice! Feel free to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like—they add an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Making this dish can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Before you start cooking, gather and measure all your ingredients. This saves time and helps prevent any last-minute scrambling.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, ensure there’s enough space in the pan. Crowding can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken rather than that crispy goodness we crave.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you or your guests prefer less heat, feel free to skip the chili flakes or use them sparingly. It’s all about tailoring the flavor to your taste!

• Make Extra Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. You can always save unused sauce for later or use it as a dipping sauce!

• Serve Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, serve your orange chicken immediately after cooking. It’s at its peak deliciousness straight from the pan!

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Presentation is key! Serving your Easy Orange Chicken creatively will make it even more appetizing.

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: A sprinkle of these adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions not only add color but also a mild oniony taste that complements the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Homemade Lo Mein Noodles: These stir-fried noodles are perfect for soaking up all that delicious orange sauce while adding texture.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and provides a healthy balance to this rich dish. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare!
• White Rice: A classic side that serves as a neutral base for your flavorful orange chicken, helping to balance out the meal.
• Fried Rice: For an extra treat, serve with fried rice mixed with vegetables and soy sauce for added flavor and heartiness.

Enjoy creating and sharing this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe with friends and family! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store and save your delicious orange chicken:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the orange chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled orange chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen orange chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries regarding this delightful recipe.

Can I make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of low sodium soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

How can I make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your dish, consider including chili flakes in the sauce or marinating the chicken with sriracha or another hot sauce before frying.

What sides pair well with Easy Orange Chicken Recipe?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or homemade Lo Mein noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for extra nutrition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe! It’s a fantastic way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!