Description
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is a delicious homemade version of the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a flavorful orange sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in cornstarch, then dip in the beaten eggs to coat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In the same pan, add orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, skip dredging in cornstarch and pan-sear the chicken directly before tossing in the sauce.
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American-Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
