Orange Chicken Recipe for a Quick Dinner

Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

July 15, 2025

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This is it—the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Picture this: golden-brown chunks of chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet orange sauce, wafting through your kitchen like a culinary hug from the universe. This easy orange chicken recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that’ll have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha in delight.

Now let’s rewind a bit. I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a Tuesday evening—yes, that dreaded day of the week when takeout seems like the only option. But armed with nothing but leftover optimism and a nearly empty pantry, I decided to whip up this fantastic orange chicken. The results were so satisfying that my family thought I had secretly enrolled in culinary school! Not only did they devour every bite, but they also requested it as a regular feature on our dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy orange chicken recipe is quick to prepare and uses minimal ingredients you likely already have at home.
Its sweet and tangy flavor will make everyone come back for seconds.
The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any plate and it can be served over rice or noodles for versatility.

Sharing this dish has always sparked joy—my friends rave about how it tastes like something you’d find at an Asian restaurant but without the hefty price tag!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Approximately 1 pound is perfect; ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and depth; avoid bottled juice if possible.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the orange juice; feel free to adjust according to your sweetness preference.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels while still providing umami flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds aromatic richness; minced or crushed works best.
Ginger Root: Freshly grated ginger provides warmth and spice; it’s essential for authenticity.
Vegetable Oil: Use for frying the chicken; canola or peanut oil are great options due to their high smoke point.
Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh crunch as a garnish; don’t skip them!
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully; make sure to use it mixed with some water.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up nicely.

Heat Up the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want that sizzle when you add your chicken.

Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.

Whip Up That Sauce: While your chicken cooks, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch mixed with water in a bowl until smooth.

Combine It All: Once all your chicken is cooked and crispy, pour in the sauce mixture over the hot pan. Stir continuously until it thickens and coats everything beautifully—about 3-5 minutes should do it.

Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish over steamed rice or noodles—your choice!

The aroma will fill your kitchen with such mouthwatering scents that even your neighbors will be tempted to knock on your door begging for leftovers!

And there you have it! An easy-to-make orange chicken recipe that impresses every time while being incredibly simple! Now go forth and share this culinary triumph with those you love (or at least keep it all for yourself).

You Must Know

This orange chicken recipe easy not only bursts with flavor but also simplifies your weeknight dinners.
You can quickly whip it up, making your kitchen smell heavenly.
The crispy texture paired with a tangy sauce is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While that’s happening, prepare your sauce and chop any veggies. This way, everything comes together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist. Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken; this ensures even cooking.
Use fresh oranges for the best flavor in your sauce.
Letting it rest after cooking enhances texture and taste significantly.

There’s something magical about sharing this orange chicken recipe easy with friends during game nights. Their delighted faces as they devoured it made every effort worthwhile!

FAQ

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken earlier in the day.

Is it possible to freeze orange chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

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