Craving a sweet and tangy dish? This easy orange chicken recipe is the perfect solution for a quick and flavorful meal. Coated in a sticky orange sauce, this easy orange chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, this easy orange chicken recipe comes together in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Serve this easy orange chicken recipe with rice and steamed veggies for a complete and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (minced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Step 1: Coat the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch and flour until well coated.
- Step 2: Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the sauce: In the same skillet, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Combine: Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the orange sauce.
- Step 5: Garnish and serve: Serve the orange chicken over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Tips
Tips for the Best Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Crisp up the chicken: Double-fry the chicken for extra crispiness before tossing it in the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar or add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
FAQs for the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe and will provide extra juiciness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
