Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners: an Easy Orange Chicken Recipe that will become a staple in your home. This dish is a hit for kids and adults, and the best part? It’s also quick and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
This orange chicken is delicious and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re juggling work, school, or family activities, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule. With its fresh, zesty flavors of orange and honey, this dish brings sunshine to your dinner table. It’s versatile enough for rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need some basic pantry staples and a few fresh items:
- Olive Oil: We’ll use this to cook the chicken and grease the casserole dish. Olive oil adds a subtle, rich flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- The chicken is coated with egg, Cornstarch, and Panko Breadcrumbs. The egg helps the cornstarch and breadcrumbs stick, giving the chicken a crispy, golden exterior.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either, depending on your preference. Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs offer more flavor.
- Honey, Orange Juice, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, and Sesame Oil form the base of our sweet and tangy sauce. Honey and orange juice provide natural sweetness, while soy sauce and rice vinegar add depth and a hint of acidity. Sesame oil gives it that signature Asian flair.
- Garlic, Orange Zest, and Red Chili Flakes: These ingredients pack a punch of flavor. Garlic adds a savory note, orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor, and red chili flakes bring a touch of heat.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
- Cooked Rice and Steamed Broccoli are perfect sides to make this a complete meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, and the broccoli adds a nice crunch and color.
No products found.
Zesty orange chicken recipe
This Zesty Honey Orange Chicken Bites recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy panko crust, then tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey preferably local
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice zest before juicing
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice and steamed broccoli for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F degrees. Grease a large casserole dish with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Crack the egg into a shallow dish and lightly beat it. Add cornstarch to a second shallow dish and panko breadcrumbs to a third shallow dish.
- Season each with salt and pepper, and season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the cornstarch, egg, and panko crumbs. Transfer the coated chicken to the prepared casserole dish and brush with the remaining olive oil.
- Transfer the casserole dish with the chicken into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- In the meantime, in a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, orange zest, and red chili flakes—season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and pour the orange glaze over it. Toss to coat the chicken and return it to the oven until it is cooked through and glossy, another 20 minutes, stirring once at the 10-minute mark.
- Serve the chicken alongside rice and broccoli, and enjoy!
Recipe Variations for Easy Orange Chicken
If you want to mix things up with this delicious Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, I’ve got you covered. Here are some fun and tasty variations you can try to keep your meals exciting and cater to different preferences.
1. Spicy Orange Chicken
- Extra Heat: Add more red chili flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
- Peppers: Toss in some sliced bell or hot peppers while cooking the chicken for added flavor and heat.
2. Orange Chicken with Vegetables
- Veggie Boost: Add vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots to the skillet when making the sauce. This not only adds nutrition but also vibrant color to your dish.
- Broccoli Option: Instead of serving steamed broccoli on the side, mix it into the dish before baking for a one-pan meal.
3. Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
- Quick and Easy: Skip the oven and turn this recipe into a quick stir-fry. After cooking the chicken, add the sauce directly to the skillet and toss until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over your favorite noodles instead of rice for a different take.
4. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
- Breadcrumb Swap: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.
5. Baked Orange Chicken Nuggets
- Kid-Friendly: Cut the chicken into smaller, nugget-sized pieces. Bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of orange sauce as a dipping option for a fun, hands-on meal.
6. Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Light and Fresh: Serve the cooked orange chicken in large lettuce leaves (like romaine or iceberg) for a lighter, low-carb meal.
- Crunch: Top with shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
7. Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken
- Pineapple Twist: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple to the sauce for a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Sour Note: Increase the rice vinegar slightly for more of a tangy, sour kick to balance the sweetness.
Tips for Customizing Your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Protein Alternatives: Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or pork for a different twist.
- Seasoning Variations: To suit your taste preferences, try different spices and herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, or cilantro.
- Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce while it simmers.
You may also like:
This easy orange chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor. I hope you try and love it as much as my family. Don’t hesitate to share your results and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!