Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will love, then you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its sweet and tangy homemade sauce, you won’t miss the takeout one bit. Plus, it comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

What makes this dish so special? It’s not just about flavor; it’s about bringing everyone together around the table. The crispy chicken mixed with that vibrant orange sauce creates an irresistible meal that will have your loved ones asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: You can whip this up in no time, making it a go-to for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the sweet and savory flavors of orange chicken!
• Homemade goodness: No need to worry about preservatives—this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile dish: Pair it with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Make-ahead option: Prep the chicken and sauce in advance to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of them are probably already in your pantry! Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken

• 6 whole boneless chicken thighs (or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins)
• ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. corn starch
• 1 tsp. black pepper (or less to taste, fresh ground)
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. ginger powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. paprika (to add color to the chicken)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 1½ tbsp. corn starch
• 2 tbsps. vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tbsps. brown sugar
• ½ tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, (minced)
• ½ tsp. black pepper (fresh ground)
• 1 tsp. orange zest
• Chili flakes, (optional to add heat)

Variations

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative and adjust it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added texture and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken into ½ inch cube pieces and placing them in a bowl. Then, add in the flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder to coat the chicken evenly. This step is crucial because it gives your chicken that crispy exterior we all crave!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

In a deep frying pan, bring vegetable oil to medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken until golden brown—this should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remember not to overcook; otherwise, your chicken might end up chewy instead of tender.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While your chicken is frying away, whisk all of your sauce ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined. Once done, transfer this mixture to a hot non-stick skillet or frying pan over low heat and simmer until it thickens up nicely—this brings out all those delicious flavors!

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly fried and golden brown, transfer it into the skillet with your thickened sauce. Mix well so every piece gets coated beautifully! Let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes before removing it from heat—this allows those flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Now comes the best part! Serve this scrumptious Easy Orange Chicken alongside homemade Lo Mein Noodles or fluffy white rice—whatever tickles your fancy! For an extra touch of flair, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

And there you have it—a delightful dinner ready in no time! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Making this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe at home is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to restaurant quality!

• Choose the right chicken: Opting for boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts will give you juicier and more flavorful results. Thighs have more fat, making the chicken tender and succulent.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces of chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy chicken. Fry in batches to ensure each piece gets that perfect golden crispiness.

• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer your orange chicken with a bit of heat, feel free to add chili flakes to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste; it’s easy to add more but hard to take spice away!

• Let the sauce thicken: Allowing the sauce to simmer until it thickens not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that it clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a delightful coating.

• Make ahead for meal prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Make a double batch and enjoy easy lunches or dinners throughout the week!

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Serving your homemade Easy Orange Chicken can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this delicious dish appealingly.

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkling a few toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the orange sauce beautifully.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions bring a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, balancing out the sweetness of the dish.
• Orange slices: Adding a few fresh orange slices on the side not only looks beautiful but also enhances that citrusy aroma when serving.

Side Dishes

• Homemade Lo Mein Noodles: These soft noodles are perfect for soaking up all that delicious orange sauce. Toss them with some veggies for a complete meal!

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice pairs wonderfully with orange chicken, providing a neutral base that allows the bold flavors of the dish to shine through.

• Stir-fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and freshness. The vegetables not only complement the main dish but also boost its nutritional value.

• Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar makes for a refreshing contrast against the rich flavors of orange chicken. It’s crisp, cool, and oh-so-refreshing!

Enjoy bringing this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe into your kitchen! Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or part of your meal prep routine, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week without the hassle of cooking every day.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that might help you out.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just remember that breasts may cook faster, so keep an eye on them while frying.

How can I make my Easy Orange Chicken Recipe spicier?

To add more heat, consider mixing in chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce into your orange sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference!

What can I serve with Easy Orange Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with homemade Lo Mein noodles or steamed white rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor!

Is this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your corn starch is gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a quick and tasty meal; it’s also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and share this delightful dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!