Chicken in Orange
Delicious Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe
I’m so excited to share my favorite Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe with you today! This citrusy, sweet-and-tangy dish brings sunshine to your dinner table, even on the gloomiest days.
The first time I made this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe, my husband couldn’t stop raving about it. Since then, it’s become our go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary. Moreover, the vibrant orange sauce creates a glossy coating that’s absolutely mouthwatering and Instagram-worthy!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for those busy weeknights!
- ️ Family-friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist this sweet orange glaze
- Simple ingredients – Everything is available at your local grocery store
- Budget-friendly – Cheaper than takeout but tastes even better!
- Great for leftovers – The flavors deepen overnight for an amazing lunch tomorrow
The beauty of this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe lies in its versatility. Furthermore, you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness to match your family’s preferences perfectly. ️
Let’s Talk Ingredients
The magic of this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe starts with quality ingredients. Consequently, taking a moment to understand each component will help you create the most flavorful dish possible.
Chicken
I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe. They stay juicy and tender, even if you accidentally overcook them a bit.
You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. However, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly in this high-heat cooking method.
Fresh Orange Juice
The star of our Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe is fresh-squeezed orange juice! The vibrant flavor simply can’t be matched by store-bought versions.
For the best results, use navel or Valencia oranges. In addition, zesting the oranges before juicing adds an extra layer of citrus aromatics to the sauce.
Honey
Honey balances the acidity of the orange juice perfectly. As a result, you get a sauce that’s sweet without being cloying or reminiscent of candy.
I recommend using a mild-flavored honey like clover or orange blossom. Meanwhile, avoid strongly flavored varieties like buckwheat that might overpower the delicate orange flavor.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce adds umami depth to our Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe. The saltiness contrasts beautifully with the sweet orange and honey notes.
Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Additionally, coconut aminos make an excellent gluten-free substitute with a slightly sweeter profile.
How to Make Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe
Creating this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe is surprisingly simple! First, we’ll marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor, then cook it to perfection.
Let’s break down the process step by step. Above all, don’t rush the sauce reduction—that’s where all the magic happens!
Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces. Next, toss them in a mixture of cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Subsequently, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Then, remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm while preparing the sauce.
In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in your fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. As a result, it will reduce and thicken into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving! ️
7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success
- Uniform cutting – Keep chicken pieces the same size for even cooking
- Season the cornstarch – Adding salt and pepper to your coating enhances flavor
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook chicken in batches if needed for proper browning
- Watch the heat – Medium-high is perfect; too hot will burn the sauce
- ️ Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C)
- ️ Rest before serving – Let chicken rest 3 minutes to lock in juices
- Storage smarts – Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
These tips will elevate your Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe to restaurant quality! Likewise, they’ll help you troubleshoot if anything doesn’t go as planned.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make mistakes with this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe. Nevertheless, you can achieve perfect results by avoiding these common pitfalls!
Skipping the cornstarch is a big no-no. It not only helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken but also thickens the sauce beautifully.
Using bottled orange juice can make your sauce taste flat. Fresh-squeezed makes all the difference in this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe!
Rushing the sauce reduction is tempting but problematic. In contrast, allowing it to simmer slowly concentrates the flavors and creates that perfect sticky texture.
Not tasting as you go might leave you with a sauce that’s too sweet or too tangy. Therefore, always adjust seasonings before adding the chicken back to the pan.
FAQs About Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe
Over the years, I’ve received many questions about this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe. Consequently, I’ve compiled the most common ones to help you succeed!
Can I make Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish completely and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Alternatively, cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine just before serving.
What can I serve with this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe?
Steamed rice is the classic pairing, but it’s also delicious with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or noodles. Additionally, steamed broccoli or snap peas make excellent side dishes.
Can I make this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a thinly sliced fresh chili to the sauce. To sum up, the sweet-spicy combination creates an irresistible flavor profile! ️
Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (from about 3-4 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (working in batches if necessary) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat completely in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving over rice.
Final Thoughts on This Delicious Dish
This Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe has brought so much joy to my family’s dinner table over the years. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your family’s taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
If you’re looking for more Asian-inspired dishes, you might also enjoy my orange chicken recipe with a crispy twist. Moreover, it pairs wonderfully with homemade fried rice!
Have you tried this Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments below! Until next time, happy cooking!