Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dish, then you’ve come to the right place! This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is one of those recipes that always brings a smile to my face. It’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The vibrant orange notes mixed with tender chicken are sure to please everyone at your table.

What I love most about this recipe is how it captures that beloved takeout taste without the fuss. Plus, it comes together in just over half an hour! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish can transform your dinner routine into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of orange juice, ginger, and garlic creates a mouth-watering sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish, making it great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles—whatever suits your mood or diet!
• Make-Ahead Potential: Prep the chicken and sauce in advance, so all you need to do is cook when you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and stress-free! For this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken, you’ll only need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil

For the Veggies

• 1 large bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 small onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 medium orange, thinly sliced with seeds removed

For the Sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade (such as Smucker’s)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced (squeezable type works well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

To Serve

• Serve with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles
• Garnish with sliced green onions

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option or try tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes if you’re looking for an extra kick!
• Citrus zest boost: Add some zest from an additional orange for even more bright flavor.

How to Make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all those delicious flavors. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat avocado oil in your Blackstone griddle until it’s nice and hot. Then add the chicken pieces in batches if necessary so they can brown beautifully without overcrowding.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Once the chicken is cooked through (about 5-7 minutes), remove it from the griddle and set aside. In the same pan, toss in your bell pepper and onion. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized; this step enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine orange juice, orange marmalade, white sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well blended. This sauce will bring everything together with its sweet-and-sour profile!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan along with your prepared sauce. Cook everything together for about 5-10 minutes over medium heat until it’s heated through and bubbly. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for that fresh crunch! Enjoy every bite of this vibrant dish—it’s bound to become a new favorite at your home!

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Cooking this delicious dish at home can be a breeze with a few pro tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts. This ensures that your orange chicken remains tender and succulent throughout the cooking process.

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have the time, marinating the chicken in a mix of orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic for at least 30 minutes can enhance the flavor profile significantly. This will infuse your chicken with vibrant flavors even before it hits the heat.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary is crucial. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, which prevents that crispy outer layer from forming—something we all love in orange chicken!

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to modify the amount of sugar or orange marmalade you add. Balancing the sweetness with acidity is key for that perfect orange sauce.

• Add veggies for texture: Including bell peppers and onions not only adds color but also contributes a nice crunch and nutritional value. Feel free to toss in any other veggies you enjoy!

How to Serve Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Serving this dish can be just as fun as cooking it! With a few thoughtful garnishes and side dishes, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: Adding fresh sliced green onions on top provides a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet sauce beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top give a nutty crunch that enhances both texture and presentation.
• Cilantro leaves: For those who love fresh herbs, a scattering of cilantro leaves adds brightness and freshness to every bite.

Side Dishes

• Steamed white rice: A classic choice, steamed white rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up all the delicious orange sauce.
• Cauliflower rice: For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice offers a light and healthy alternative while still providing that satisfying base.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas adds nutrition and vibrancy to your meal.
• Noodles: Whether you choose lo mein or rice noodles, they make for an excellent side dish that pairs beautifully with the juicy orange chicken.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal! Each bite is bound to transport you straight to your favorite takeout spot—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time while delivering that delightful homemade flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy them within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months; label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• For microwave reheating, cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken that might help you out!

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs add extra juiciness, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just remember that they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!

How can I make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken spicier?

If you’re looking to add some heat to your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

What can I serve with Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. You can also add steamed veggies for a complete meal!

Can I prepare this orange chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat for maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken recipe as delightful to make as it is to eat! It brings together vibrant flavors and tender chicken that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy crafting this dish and share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out!