Orange Chicken Best Quick Dinner Recipe Easy to Make

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We’re excited to share your next favorite meal recipe: Orange Chicken! If you’ve ever wanted the sweet and savory taste of a juicy orange chicken from your favorite restaurant This homemade version of the dish will be a game changer. It’s packed with a blast of orange and a sticky sauce that coats the chicken bites that are crispy This recipe is not just easy, but also a treat to your tastes!

Introduction

Orange Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines the citrusy taste of orange with the savory taste of soy sauce and the warming taste of garlic and ginger. This dish is great for a weeknight meal that require a warm simple and quick dinner. Crispy chicken, covered in a delicious sauce It’s a healthier and faster alternative to take-out.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

To create an ideal Orange Chicken, make the following ingredients:

  • Chicken 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Cornstarch 3 Tablespoons (to coat the chicken and to add thickness to the sauce)
  • Olive Oil Three tablespoons split
  • Orange Juice: 3/4 cup, no pulp
  • Soy Sauce 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (packed)
  • Orange Zest Zest from a medium orange
  • Ginger 1 teaspoon freshly grated
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Red Pepper Flakes 1 teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste
  • Sliced Scallions Optional garnish

Alternate substitutions: Chicken thighs instead of breasts fresh squeezed citrus juice or alter the sugar to make it less sweet.

How to Make Orange Chicken – Step by Step

Step1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. The chicken can be cut into pieces that are bite-sized. Add salt and pepper to the chicken Then, coat the chicken with cornstarch.
  2. Mix the ingredients of the sauce such as Soy sauce, orange juice brown sugar, lemon juice and ginger, orange zest garlic, ginger, and red pepper flake.

Step2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Two tablespoons olive oil to a pan on medium-high.
  2. Half the chicken pieces are cooked in one layer for around 4 minutes. Flip them over and cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Continue cooking the rest of the chicken.

Step3: Make the Sauce

  1. Switch off the flame and add the sauce to the heated skillet. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken within a matter of minutes.
  2. Scrape the browned bits out of the pan. Add the chicken that has been cooked to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Helpful Tips for Orange Chicken

  • Preparation Prepare all the ingredients prior to starting. The recipe is fast!
  • Citrus Zesting Beware of the white pith to get an even citrus taste.
  • Cooking Cook chicken in small batches to achieve crisp texture.

Cooking Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

  1. Make use of freshly grated ginger to get a more vibrant flavor.
  2. Opt for a splatter-guard to limit cleaning.
  3. Try a cast iron pan to cook even.

Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken

Serve the Orange Chicken with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Lo mein, rice noodles, or a combination of both.
  • Garnishes with sesame seeds, or scallions for a more enticing flavor.

Nutritional Information

per serving

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 15g

Storage and Leftovers for Orange Chicken

  • Refrigerate Place in a sealed airtight container 3-4 days or more.
  • Reheat: Warm over low heat in a pan.
  • Freeze Storage: Keep it for three months or more, although crispness could decrease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Orange Chicken

  1. Do I have to use the thighs of a chicken instead?
    Yes, skinless, boneless thighs are great for this recipe.
  2. Do I have to spice it up?
    Sprinkle on red pepper flakes, or a pinch of Sriracha to add some heat.
  3. What happens if you don’t own fresh orange juice?
    Bottled juice can be used, however, fresh squeezed juice is suggested for the best flavor.
  4. Can I create this ahead of time?
    You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately, and mix them together just before serving.

Related Recipes for Orange Chicken Lovers

For more Asian-inspired dishes take a look at the Optimal Recipes to find dishes such as:

Conclusion

Try the Orange Chicken recipe Try it out and tell us how it went! It’s the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, with sweet notes that make any meal memorable. Be sure to let us know about your ideas or modifications with us in the comment section below. Enjoy cooking!

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Orange Chicken Best Quick Dinner Recipe Easy to Make

Orange Chicken Best Quick Dinner Recipe Easy to Make


Description

Welcome to your next favorite dinner recipe: Orange Chicken! If you’ve ever craved the savory-sweet delight of orange chicken from your favorite takeout spot, this homemade version will be a game-changer. Packed with a burst of citrus and a sticky sauce coating crispy chicken bites, this recipe is not only easy but also a treat for your taste buds!


Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (to coat chicken and thicken the sauce)
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
  • Orange Juice: ¾ cup, no pulp
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (packed)
  • Orange Zest: Zest from one medium orange
  • Ginger: ½ teaspoon, freshly grated
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste
  • Chopped Scallions: Optional garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat with cornstarch.
  2. Mix the sauce ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
  2. Cook half the chicken pieces in a single layer for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. Turn off the heat and pour the sauce into the hot skillet. It will bubble and thicken within a minute.
  2. Scrape up browned bits from the pan and return the cooked chicken to coat evenly in the sauce.

Notes

  • Preparation: Prep all ingredients before starting. The recipe moves fast!
  • Orange Zesting: Avoid the white pith for a balanced citrus flavor.
  • Cooking: Cook chicken in small batches for a crispy texture.

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