Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: Quick, tasty, and perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Orange Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It features crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a flavorful orange sauce. This easy recipe brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a delightful experience.
With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch, this recipe is both satisfying and simple. Your family will love the vibrant taste and you’ll appreciate the easy preparation.
Credit: kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com
Ingredients
Creating delicious Easy Orange Chicken starts with understanding the ingredients. This section will guide you through the essential ingredients and some optional additions to enhance your dish.
Essential Ingredients
The core ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken are simple yet flavorful. Here’s what you need:
- Chicken Breast - Cut into bite-sized pieces. This is the main protein.
- Orange Juice - Freshly squeezed is best for a zesty flavor.
- Soy Sauce - Adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Sugar - Balances the tanginess of the orange juice.
- Vinegar - A small amount for a hint of acidity.
- Garlic - Minced, for an aromatic touch.
- Ginger - Freshly grated, to add warmth and spice.
- Cornstarch - Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken.
Optional Additions
Enhance your Orange Chicken with these optional ingredients:
- Red Pepper Flakes - For a spicy kick.
- Green Onions - Chopped, for a fresh garnish.
- Sesame Seeds - Adds a nutty flavor and texture.
- Orange Zest - Intensifies the citrus flavor.
These optional additions can personalize your Easy Orange Chicken recipe, making it uniquely yours.
Preparation
Preparation is the key to a delicious Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. By focusing on each step, you ensure a flavorful and well-cooked dish. This section covers the essential steps in preparing the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Preparing The Chicken
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 lb of boneless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Follow these steps to prepare the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg.
- Coat the chicken with the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Mixing The Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish special. Gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
- Zest of one orange
Follow these steps to mix the sauce:
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar.
- Add rice vinegar and orange zest.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce.
- Stir well until fully combined.
- Pour the sauce into a pan over medium heat.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
With these steps, you’re well on your way to making a delicious Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!
Cooking Steps
Cooking the perfect Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is all about the steps. Follow these steps to achieve a dish that is both delicious and easy to make.
Cooking The Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are of even size.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of cornstarch.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 1 inch deep.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook until each piece is golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Combining Chicken And Sauce
With the chicken cooked, it’s time to prepare the sauce. In a separate pan, mix 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, and 1/2 cup of sugar.
Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger.
Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Orange Juice | 1 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Minced Garlic | 1 tbsp |
| Minced Ginger | 1 tbsp |
Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces. Stir well to coat each piece evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Your Easy Orange Chicken is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Credit: www.saltandlavender.com
Serving Suggestions
Congratulations! You've made a delicious Easy Orange Chicken. Now, it's time to think about the best ways to serve it. Proper serving suggestions can elevate your dish, making it even more enjoyable. Let's dive into some ideas for making your meal perfect.
Best Pairings
The right side dishes can make your orange chicken meal complete. Here are some of the best pairings:
- Steamed Rice: The fluffy texture complements the crispy chicken.
- Fried Rice: Adds more flavor and texture to your plate.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas add color and nutrients.
- Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with soy sauce are a great match.
These pairings are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. They balance the sweet and tangy flavors of your orange chicken perfectly.
Garnishing Tips
Garnishing your dish can make it look restaurant-quality. Here are some easy garnishing tips:
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion taste.
- Orange Zest: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding orange zest.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley can add a pop of color.
These garnishes are simple but make a big difference in both taste and appearance. They add extra flavor and make your dish look stunning.
Time-saving Tips
Cooking at home doesn't have to be time-consuming. With these time-saving tips for making Easy Orange Chicken, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meal Prep Ideas
Meal prep can save you time during busy weekdays. Here are some ideas:
- Pre-chop vegetables: Store chopped veggies in airtight containers.
- Marinate chicken: Marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.
- Make the sauce: Prepare the orange sauce ahead of time.
Quick Hacks
Use these quick hacks to speed up the cooking process:
- Use a rice cooker: Cook rice while preparing the chicken.
- Frozen vegetables: Use frozen veggies to save chopping time.
- Pre-cooked chicken: Buy pre-cooked chicken for faster assembly.
Time-saving Table
| Task | Time Saved |
|---|---|
| Pre-chop vegetables | 10 minutes |
| Marinate chicken overnight | 15 minutes |
| Use frozen vegetables | 10 minutes |
Credit: www.alyonascooking.com
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional information of your favorite dishes is crucial. It helps you make healthier choices. Let's dive into the details of our Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.
Calories And Macros
Knowing the calorie content and macronutrient breakdown is essential. It helps you manage your diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 15g |
This dish offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to make your Orange Chicken healthier? Here are some tips:
- Use lean chicken breast instead of thighs.
- Bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Opt for a sugar substitute in the sauce.
- Add more veggies like bell peppers and broccoli.
These simple changes can make your dish healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Are Needed For Orange Chicken?
To make orange chicken, you'll need chicken, soy sauce, orange juice, cornstarch, sugar, and garlic. These ingredients create the delicious flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook?
Cooking orange chicken takes about 30 minutes. This includes preparing ingredients, cooking the chicken, and making the sauce.
Can I Use Fresh Orange Juice?
Yes, fresh orange juice is perfect for orange chicken. It adds a natural and vibrant flavor to the dish.
Is Orange Chicken Spicy?
Orange chicken is usually not spicy. The sauce is sweet and tangy. However, you can add chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's simple, delicious, and full of flavor. Your family will love the tangy sauce and tender chicken. Try this recipe today and enjoy a tasty homemade meal. Don't forget to share your cooking experience in the comments below!
Comments