Easy Orange Chicken: 7 Simple Steps to Delicious Flavor!

Easy Orange Chicken. That’s right, we’re starting with the good stuff! This isn’t your average takeout fakeout; this Easy Orange Chicken recipe is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors that will transport you straight to our New York kitchens. Maria remembers making this for her picky grandson, Alessandro, who swore he only liked freezer meals. One bite and he was hooked! This Easy Orange Chicken is all about simple ingredients and big, bold taste, the kind of comfort food that warms the soul.

We've spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking it until it hit that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It's a crowd pleaser, a family favorite, and now, we're sharing it with you.

Why You Will Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

You know, the beauty of this Easy Orange Chicken recipe isn't just in the incredible citrusy flavor. It’s how easy it is to make! Lucia always says, "A good meal shouldn't chain you to the stove," and this recipe proves it. We're talking about dinner on the table in under an hour, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Plus, it is adaptable, too. No orange zest? Use orange juice instead. Prefer a little more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's a versatile dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. And the best part? Leftovers are even better the next day! It’s total comfort food, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. We think you will agree that it deserves a spot in your dinner menu rotation soon.

Ingredients Needed for This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Here's what you'll need to create this little masterpiece. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Orange Sauce:

1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed if possible
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

How to Make This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you'll have a restaurant quality meal to enjoy in your kitchen in no time.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the orange sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

How to Serve This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Easy Orange Chicken is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Teresa loves making it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete meal. For a bit of extra pizzazz, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions on top.

If you are looking for something fun, you could also try serving it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Or maybe an Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Recipe? The possibilities are endless!

How to Store This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Easy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up in a skillet or microwave. The sauce might be a bit thinner after freezing, but it will still taste delicious!

Tips to Make This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

To achieve the perfect easy orange chicken recipe, follow our tips:

For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly pan fry it for a longer time to ensure that it gets very golden brown.
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; it releases steam and won't allow the chicken to brown properly.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking for desired spice level.
Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a world of difference in flavor, but store bought works too.
You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, just be sure not to overcook them.

Helpful Notes for This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

A few extra notes to ensure success:

Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang, but apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but use half the amount (1/2 teaspoon).
Arrowroot powder can be used in place of the cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
We think it would also be great with this recipe for Easy One Pot Honey Garlic Bbq Chicken Pasta.

Variation of This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:

Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Lemon Orange Chicken: Use half orange juice and half lemon juice for a bright, citrusy twist.
Pineapple Orange Chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the chicken for a tropical flavor.
We think our recipe for Easy Szechuan Chicken Recipes is a great basis to experiment, as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy Orange Chicken recipe so easy?

This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it quick and easy to prepare at home. You don’t need any special culinary skills to achieve delicious, restaurant-quality orange chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken for this Easy Orange Chicken recipe?

While fresh chicken is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen chicken if needed. Just ensure it is fully thawed before you start cooking and pat it dry to get a crispy coating.

What should I serve with Easy Orange Chicken?

Easy Orange Chicken is delicious served with white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also add steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or an egg roll for a complete meal.

How can I make Easy Orange Chicken spicier?

To add more spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the orange sauce. You can adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.

Conclusion

So there you have it, our family recipe for Easy Orange Chicken! We hope you give this a try. It's a delightful dish that will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. Share your experience and if you have more ideas let us know in the comments below, we love hearing from you! We hope we have brought you some warmth and comfort with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe to your dinner table. Buon appetito!

Easy Orange Chicken: The BEST Recipe You’ll Ever Make!

A quick and easy orange chicken recipe bursting with fresh citrus flavors, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition:

Calories: 420
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 20g

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed if possible
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the orange sauce.
Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, lightly pan fry for longer.
Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice.
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferable. Arrowroot powder can be used instead of cornstarch.

Author
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Maria Rossi

Maria Rossi specializes in delicious pizzas tailored to dietary needs. Whether gluten-free, vegan, or alternative recipes, Maria is dedicated to making pizza accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Her innovative approach blends health and flavor, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on taste.