Zesty Orange Chicken Recipe for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with crispy chicken, making it a family favorite. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep, bringing the vibrant taste of a Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can enjoy a homemade version that is both satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken Recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try. First, the dish features a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity from the orange juice, which is incredibly satisfying. Additionally, you can customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or honey used, allowing you to cater to your family’s taste preferences. The inclusion of chicken provides a healthy source of protein, making this a wholesome meal. Moreover, this dish is gluten-free, accommodating dietary restrictions while ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Preparing this dish at home is far more cost-effective than ordering takeout, and you gain the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal from scratch. Lastly, this easy Orange Chicken recipe can be paired with various sides, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

Gather these items:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado) for pan-frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
• Optional: orange zest, chili flakes, or sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Orange Chicken Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and toss to coat.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened and glossy.
5. Step 5: Add fried chicken to the pan, pour in the orange sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, orange zest, or chili flakes. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken

Keep these in mind:

• This dish is great for meal prep; make a larger batch and store leftovers for quick lunches.
• Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies.
• Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar or honey to suit your palate.
• For a healthier option, consider using air-fried chicken or baked chicken instead of pan-frying.
• Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more balanced dish.

Best Ways to Serve Orange Chicken

There are numerous ways to enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken. One of the best ways is to serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully. Alternatively, you can dish it up with noodles for a complete meal that feels like takeout but is healthier. For a nutritious twist, try serving it with steamed broccoli or a side salad to add some greens to your plate. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds or orange zest for an extra flavor kick!

How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken

To store your Orange Chicken, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or more orange juice if the sauce has thickened. This method will help to keep the chicken tender and flavorful. Meal prep is easy with this dish, making it a perfect candidate for quick weeknight dinners!

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Orange Chicken?

The secret to perfect Orange Chicken lies in the balance of flavors. Make sure to use fresh orange juice for the best taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference. A good marinade can enhance the chicken’s flavor, making it even more delicious. Use the right cooking technique to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Orange Chicken ahead of time! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce for that fresh taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Orange Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve the perfect crispiness. Additionally, don’t overcrowd the pan while frying, as it will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Lastly, always taste and adjust the sauce before adding the chicken to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Variations of Orange Chicken You Can Try

There are many variations of Orange Chicken to explore! You can make a gluten-free version using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. For a healthier alternative, try using baked chicken instead of fried. Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrients and visual appeal. You could also experiment with different citrus flavors, such as lemon or lime, to give a unique twist to this classic dish.

Zesty Orange Chicken Recipe for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

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Zesty & Easy Orange Chicken Recipe for Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinners

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado) for pan-frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)
• Optional: orange zest, chili flakes, or sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and toss to coat.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
3. In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened and glossy.
5. Add fried chicken to the pan, pour in the orange sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, orange zest, or chili flakes. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

• This dish is great for meal prep.
<liPair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. <liAdjust sweetness by using more or less sugar or honey.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 120mg