Easy Orange Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Easy Orange Chicken always comes to mind. I remember the first time I made it. After a long day, I craved something tangy and satisfying. I had some basic ingredients lying around, and the vibrant color of oranges caught my eye. Inspired, I decided to whip up this dish. To my surprise, the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors infused the chicken, creating a dish that felt like a warm hug on a plate. With each bite, I was transported back to that cozy evening where the aromas filled my kitchen, and I felt like a culinary hero.

Essential Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken

The ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken are simple yet impactful. Each one plays a role in building the flavor profile. The star here is the fresh orange juice that lends a bright sweetness and acidity. The combination of chicken, soy sauce, and ginger brings depth and warmth. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s well-balanced, adding satisfaction to any meal.

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of the dish, providing protein and a hearty texture that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the flavors, ensuring the dish is well-balanced.
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps to create a crispy coating on the chicken, adding texture to each bite.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided: Used for frying the chicken, it adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown color.
• Chopped scallions optional, for serving: An excellent garnish that adds a fresh crunch and enhances the dish’s presentation.
• 3/4 cup orange juice: The star ingredient that brings sweetness and acidity, making the dish vibrant and delicious.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami depth that balances the sweetness of the orange juice.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A touch of acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness, creating a beautiful glaze that coats the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used again for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken nicely.
• Zest from 1 orange: Adds intense orange flavor and aroma, elevating the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Infuses warmth and spice into the dish, complementing the orange beautifully.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: Provides a savory element that deepens the flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional: Adds heat for those who enjoy a little kick in their meal.

Putting Together Easy Orange Chicken

Making Easy Orange Chicken is surprisingly simple and involves a few straightforward steps. Let’s dive into the process together and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking! Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal to savor.

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking and easy handling.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sprinkle one tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated. This will help to create a crispy texture when cooked.
3. In another bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, remaining cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, and garlic. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
4. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot. A good test is to drop a small piece of chicken in—if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
5. Add half of the coated chicken to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This is vital for proper browning. Cook for about four minutes or until it’s golden brown, then carefully flip each piece using tongs and cook for another three to four minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken, adding another tablespoon of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
7. After cooking the chicken, turn off the burner. Pour the sauce into the skillet, which should still be hot. This is where the magic happens! The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately. Stir and scrape the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Once the sauce has thickened after about a minute, return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the luscious sauce.
9. Serve the Easy Orange Chicken immediately! You can garnish it with chopped scallions if desired. It pairs beautifully with rice or veggies for a balanced meal.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are so many ways to adapt Easy Orange Chicken based on your preferences or dietary needs. Let’s explore some ideas to make this dish even more versatile!

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about three to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
• Pairing: This dish goes well with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option!
• Spice Level: For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh diced chili peppers to the sauce.
• Serving Size: Adjust the recipe based on your family size. It’s easy to double or halve the ingredients as needed.

Serve This Easy Orange Chicken With

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy rice soaks up the delicious sauce and balances the flavors.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some color and crunch to your plate with a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas.
• Spring Rolls: For an appetizer, serve some crunchy spring rolls on the side for added texture.
• Salad: A refreshing cucumber or Asian slaw can complement the dish nicely, providing a crisp contrast to the warm chicken.
• During Special Occasions: This dish can be a show-stopper during gatherings or family dinners. It’s also great for casual get-togethers!
• Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, ensure they are cooled and stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Orange Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings a taste of the extraordinary to your table. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a meal that can impress anyone. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the joy it brings to your home. You’ll find it’s a recipe you’ll want to make time and time again!

Easy Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Orange Chicken is a deliciously tangy dish that satisfies your cravings with every bite. Sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner that you can whip up in no time. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• Chopped scallions optional, for serving
• 3/4 cup orange juice see note
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Zest from 1 orange see note
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sprinkle one tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Toss the chicken until it's evenly coated.
3. In another bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients: orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, remaining cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, and garlic. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
4. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot.
5. Add half of the coated chicken to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about four minutes or until it’s golden brown, then carefully flip each piece using tongs and cook for another three to four minutes.
6. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining chicken.
7. After cooking the chicken, turn off the burner. Pour the sauce into the skillet, which should still be hot. Stir and scrape the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
8. Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the luscious sauce.
9. Serve the Easy Orange Chicken immediately! You can garnish it with chopped scallions if desired.

Notes

For the orange juice, I use a Simply Orange brand variety with no pulp. You can use freshly squeezed orange juice if you prefer. For the orange zest, I would not go over 1 tablespoon unless you want it very orangey. 1/2-3/4 tablespoon or so will be fine (one medium orange). Oranges vary in size, so you don’t need to be too precise. I love to serve this recipe with rice, but that’s totally optional!

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.