Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: 5-Minute Family Delight

easy orange chicken recipe

By:

Julia marin

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, let me tell you about my go-to easy orange chicken recipe! It’s so simple and packed with flavor that it’s become a family favorite in my house. I love how the bright, zesty orange sauce perfectly balances the savory chicken, making it feel like a special treat without all the fuss. I’ve been whipping this up for years, and I can confidently say it never disappoints. Plus, it’s a breeze to make on busy weeknights when time is tight! Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe handy!

easy orange chicken recipe - detail 1

Ingredients List

  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (the fresher, the better for that vibrant flavor!)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (I like low-sodium for a healthier twist)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (you can adjust this to your taste—add more if you like it sweet!)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps thicken the sauce beautifully)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking the chicken, it’s perfect!)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (adds a lovely warmth and zing)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for that fresh garnish on top)

How to Prepare the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Now, let’s dive into making this easy orange chicken! It’s all about following a few simple steps that come together beautifully. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together, so let’s get started!

Step 1: Heat the Oil

First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. This is crucial because properly heated oil helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy—nobody wants that!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the hot oil and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden brown. Make sure to spread the chicken out in a single layer for even cooking—this way, you’ll get that lovely browning that makes it so tasty!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. This sauce is the magic that brings all the flavors together!

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Once the chicken is browned, pour the prepared sauce over it in the skillet. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s glossy and just the right consistency!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, garnish your orange chicken with chopped green onions for that fresh touch. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite of this vibrant dish!

Tips for Success

To make your easy orange chicken recipe truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t shy away from adjusting the sweetness—if you love it sweeter, add a touch more sugar, or if you prefer a tangier flavor, reduce it a bit. Using fresh ingredients is key, especially the orange juice; it really enhances the dish and makes it pop! Also, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking to infuse even more flavor. And remember, keep an eye on the sauce while it thickens; it can go from perfect to too thick quickly. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional values for this easy orange chicken recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Typically, one serving contains around 320 calories, 8g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. For the most accurate information, I recommend calculating based on your actual ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: This easy orange chicken recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it super convenient to whip up.
  • Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet and savory in the orange sauce is simply irresistible!
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and serve it over your favorite rice or noodles for a personalized touch.
  • Family Favorite: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family dinners.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even browning.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice? You can use bottled juice, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. Fresh is always best!

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Can I add vegetables? Yes! Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas make great additions—just toss them in with the chicken while cooking!

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this easy orange chicken recipe is perfect for a gluten-free diet!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store leftover easy orange chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This will help retain that delicious flavor and keep the chicken tender!

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this tomato sauce chicken recipe or this creamy mushroom chicken recipe.

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easy orange chicken recipe

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: 5-Minute Family Delight


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
  • Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
  • Dieta: Bez Glutenu

Opis

A simple and quick recipe for orange chicken.


Składniki

Skala
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instrukcje

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
  3. In a bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan.
  5. Stir until the sauce thickens.
  6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Uwagi

  • Serve with rice or noodles.
  • Adjust sugar to taste.
  • Use fresh orange juice for best flavor.
  • Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
  • Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
  • Kategoria: Main Dish
  • Sposób: Stovetop
  • Kuchnia: Chinese

Zasilanie

  • Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
  • Kalorie: 320
  • Cukier: 10g
  • Sód: 600mg
  • Kwasy: 8g
  • Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
  • Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
  • Tłuszcze trans: 0g
  • Węglowodany: 30g
  • Włókno: 1g
  • Białko: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Słowa kluczowe: easy orange chicken recipe

O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.

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