Description
This Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken recipe brings a deliciously tangy and sweet homemade twist to the classic Chinese-American favorite. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a zesty orange sauce, then pan-fried to a crispy golden brown before being coated in a luscious, thickened orange glaze. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that beats any takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
Marinade
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Additional orange juice (amount unspecified, estimated 1/4 cup)
- Additional soy sauce (amount unspecified, estimated 2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Make and apply marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, and brown sugar. Place the chicken pieces in this marinade and let them soak for at least 20 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Prepare the sauce mixture: In a separate bowl, stir together the rice vinegar and cornstarch until smooth to avoid lumps. Then add additional orange juice, soy sauce, and the sesame oil, mixing thoroughly to create the sauce base.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a suitable amount of oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until they turn golden brown on the outside, approximately 6 to 8 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Add and thicken the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces beautifully.
- Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinate chicken at least 20 minutes for best flavor infusion; longer marination (up to 1 hour) can intensify taste.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess by varying the amount of brown sugar or orange juice to preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make the dish healthier.
- For a crispier texture, you can coat chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch before frying.
- Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add visual appeal and extra flavor.
