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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

A quick and delicious Easy Orange Chicken recipe that features tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this dish combines bright citrus flavors with a hint of ginger and garlic for a satisfying meal that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

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)

For Serving (Optional)

  • Chopped scallions

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken pieces and toss well to ensure an even coating. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Set the sauce mixture aside.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. A hot pan is key to browning the chicken properly.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add half of the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow proper browning. Cook for about 4 minutes without stirring, then flip using tongs and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken to a plate. For the second batch, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken.
  5. Thicken the Sauce and Combine: Turn off the burner but keep the skillet on the hot burner. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. The residual heat will quickly thicken the sauce in about a minute. Stir continuously, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance flavor. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss well to coat every piece evenly with the sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the orange chicken immediately, garnished with chopped scallions if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or your favorite side vegetables.

Notes

  • Be sure to prep and measure all ingredients before starting to ensure quick cooking.
  • Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding, which helps the pieces brown properly and keeps them crispy.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder sauce.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

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