Nothing beats the vibrant, tangy, and sweet flavors of this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. The tender, golden-browned chicken bites coated in a luscious homemade orange sauce create a harmony of tastes that will brighten your table and quickly become a household favorite. With simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction without any fuss, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each component brings either zest, sweetness, or texture to the final dish, making your kitchen smell incredible and your palate dance with delight.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s tender and juicy when cooked right.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Basic seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken for that irresistible crunch.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Helps achieve golden browning and keeps the chicken moist.
- Chopped scallions (optional, for serving): Adds a fresh and mild oniony crunch as a finishing touch.
- 3/4 cup orange juice: Brings bright juice notes and natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides a refreshing balance to the sweet elements.
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar: Gives a rich caramel sweetness that complements the orange perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect cling to your chicken.
- Zest from 1 orange: Intensifies fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Lends a zingy, warm spice note that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat to balance sweetness.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this ensures every juicy morsel soaks up the orange sauce perfectly. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the chunks in cornstarch to give them a delicate coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked. This prep step is crucial for achieving that signature texture.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Whisk until smooth. This vibrant sauce is what transforms simple chicken into an unforgettable dish bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Getting the pan hot is key—it ensures the chicken pieces brown quickly, sealing in their juiciness and creating that delightful golden crust.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in Batches
Add half the chicken to the sizzling pan, making sure the pieces aren’t overcrowded, which allows them to brown evenly instead of steaming. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until each piece is cooked through and tender. For the second half, add the remaining olive oil and repeat. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest while you finish the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with the Orange Sauce
Turn off the burner but keep the pan hot. Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet—the residual heat will thicken the sauce in about a minute. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift those flavorful browned bits. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to give every piece a shiny, sticky coat of that luscious orange glaze. Serve right away for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped scallions scattered on top add a lovely contrast in both color and crunch, making each bite fresher and more exciting. You can also sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty finish that complements the orange glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the sauce. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas add both vibrant greens and a crisp texture that balances the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or inside lettuce cups for a light, fresh meal. You can even turn this into a colorful stir-fry by tossing in sliced bell peppers and shredded carrots before adding the sauce for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for lunch or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. This method keeps the chicken from drying out and allows the sauce to regain its glossy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy, which works wonderfully in this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is fresh orange juice essential for this recipe?
Fresh orange juice makes the best-tasting sauce with vibrant citrus notes, but if you’re in a pinch, high-quality store-bought juice works fine too. Just avoid concentrates with added sugars for the most natural flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The rest of the recipe naturally lends itself well to gluten-free cooking.
How spicy is this orange chicken?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth and can be omitted if you prefer a sweeter, milder dish. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you like, whisk a little extra cornstarch with cold water and add it a teaspoon at a time while heating until you reach that perfect sticky glaze consistency.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, you’ll see how easily it fits into your busy week while delivering bursting flavors and a restaurant-quality vibe right at your own table. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and exciting, and I can’t wait for you to make it a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
Description
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sticky orange sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines citrusy brightness with savory soy and a hint of spice, all cooked in a skillet for optimal flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Chopped scallions (optional, for serving)
Sauce
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken. Toss until each piece is evenly coated in cornstarch.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk well until smooth.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken in batches: Add half of the chicken pieces to the hot skillet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow proper browning. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate. For the second batch, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and repeat the cooking process.
- Finish with the sauce: Turn off the burner but keep the skillet on the hot burner surface. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet while it is still very hot, and cook for about one minute as it thickens, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Once thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Prepping all ingredients before cooking is important since the cooking steps proceed quickly.
- You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat level as preferred.
- For extra crispiness, you may double coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch before frying.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
