Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup cornstarch (for coating chicken)
• 0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 0.75 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 0.33 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce slurry)
• 1 tbsp water (for sauce slurry)
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, season the chicken breast pieces with salt and black pepper.

2. 2

   Add 1/2 cup of cornstarch to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to create the sauce.

4. 4

   In a small ramekin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry; set aside.

5. 5

   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

6. 6

   Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

7. 7

   Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

8. 8

   Wipe out any excess oil from the skillet, then pour in the orange sauce mixture.

9. 9

   Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.

10. 10

    Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and become glossy.

11. 11

    Add the crispy chicken back into the skillet and toss well to ensure every piece is coated in the glaze.

12. 12

    Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve over steamed white rice or broccoli. For a crispier texture, you can double-fry the chicken or use a cornstarch and flour blend.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• orange chicken
• chinese-american
• stir-fry
• easy
• dinner