Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our lighter and healthier rendition of the classic Chinese take-out dish – Orange Chicken. Immerse yourself in the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that define this homemade delicacy. Quick to prepare, one-pot wonder, and made entirely from scratch, this recipe brings the essence of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This

Speedy Delight:

Ready to serve in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to recipe for those hectic days.

One-Pot Wonder:

A hassle-free cooking experience as this easy orange chicken recipe is crafted entirely in one pan, ensuring a breezy cleanup.

From Scratch Goodness:

Ditch the sodium and sugar-laden Chinese takeout, and embrace the satisfaction of preparing your own orange chicken. The tangy orange sauce mirrors, if not surpasses, the flavors of the original.

Family-Friendly:

A crowd-pleaser that caters to all taste preferences, making it an ideal family meal.

Ingredients Needed:

Chicken Pieces:

Diced boneless, skinless chicken breast.

Seasoning:

Cornstarch and a pinch of salt.

Aromatics:

Fresh garlic and ginger.

Flavor:

Orange zest and a touch of sesame oil.

Garnish:

Chopped scallions or green onions and sesame seeds.

Orange Chicken Sauce:

Freshly squeezed orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, white or brown sugar, rice wine, rice vinegar, sriracha or red pepper flakes (for a hint of heat), cornstarch (to thicken the sauce), and white pepper.

How to Make Orange Chicken

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

Combine the orange sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Prep the Chicken:

Lightly season chicken with salt, coat evenly with cornstarch, and set aside.

Pan Perfection:

Heat a large skillet or wok, add sesame oil, and brown the chicken in batches.

Aromatic Symphony:

Stir-fry minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, add orange zest, then reintroduce the chicken.

Orange Infusion:

Pour in the orange sauce, toss, and cook until the sauce thickens.

Plate and Garnish:

Serve on four plates, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Twist:

Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu.

Veggie Infusion:

Enhance with red bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a colorful stir fry.

Ground Meat Magic:

Opt for ground chicken or explore with beef or turkey.

Storage Tips

To Store:

Refrigerate leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Warm in the oven at 350 degrees F for a crispy texture. Microwave works too in a pinch.

To Freeze:

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Orange Chicken?

A Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces, battered, deep-fried, and coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.

Is Orange Chicken Healthy?

Traditional versions involve deep-frying and added sugar, making our homemade version a healthier choice.

Difference from General Tso’s Chicken?

General Tso’s is sweet and spicy with a reddish-brown sauce, while Orange Chicken boasts a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce.