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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously tangy and sweet dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are coated and pan-fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in a flavorful homemade orange sauce with hints of ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines simple ingredients for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal served best with steamed rice and garnished with fresh scallions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Chopped scallions, optional for serving

Sauce

  • 3/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Zest from 1 orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the pieces. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the cornstarch.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Heat the Pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for a few minutes until it is hot and shimmering, but not smoking.
  4. Cook Chicken in Batches: Add half the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side until browned, then flip with tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove cooked chicken to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for the second batch and repeat the process.
  5. Finish with Sauce: Turn off the heat, but keep the skillet on the burner. Pour the prepared sauce into the hot pan; the residual heat will cause the sauce to thicken within a minute. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the orange chicken immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use fresh orange juice and orange zest.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Ensure the pan is hot before adding chicken to achieve a nice sear.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet while cooking the chicken to prevent steaming rather than browning.
  • Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Keywords: orange chicken, easy orange chicken, quick chicken recipe, homemade orange sauce, stir-fry chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/easy-orange-chicken-recipe/