Introduction

This vibrant Orange Chicken recipe brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spice. Quick to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for a delicious homemade dinner that pairs beautifully with rice.

The image shows a white bowl filled with three layers of food. The bottom layer is plain white rice with a soft texture, covering the entire base of the bowl. On top of the rice is a generous pile of golden brown fried cauliflower pieces, which look crunchy and slightly textured. Scattered across the fried cauliflower are small bits of chopped green onions, adding a fresh green color contrast. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with slices of lemon and some green herbs visible in the blurry background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup Florida Orange Juice
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt for seasoning
Pepper for seasoning
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. white pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Florida Orange Juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add to the pan.
Step 3: Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on all sides.
Step 4: Pour the prepared orange chicken sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a boil, continuing to cook until it thickens.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice.
Step 6: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before sautéing.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a colorful, nutritious boost.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with several layers of crispy golden-brown cauliflower florets coated in a thick, glossy orange sauce, garnished with small bright green chopped scallions scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with sliced yellow lemon pieces blurred in the background, adding a fresh and vibrant feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or even quinoa. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables make excellent side dishes as well.

Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

This vibrant Orange Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful homemade orange sauce made with fresh Florida orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and a blend of spices. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Served hot and garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Entree
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Chinese

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt for seasoning
Pepper for seasoning
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

Orange Sauce

½ cup Florida Orange Juice
½ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. white pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Garnish

Green onions, sliced for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Florida orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
Add the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the sauté pan with the chicken. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it boil, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and serve the orange chicken immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or orange juice to loosen it up.
Use fresh Florida orange juice for the best bright and authentic flavor.
Serve with white or brown rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Keywords: Orange chicken, Florida orange juice, honey soy chicken, quick chicken recipe, sautéed chicken, homemade orange sauce, dinner recipe