Easy Orange Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for a Quick Treat

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-10-14T18:32:26.648Z


Easy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of homemade takeout in a matter of minutes. With its crispy chicken coated in a zesty orange sauce, this recipe is not just quick to make; it’s also bursting with amazing flavors that you and your family will love. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that impresses but doesn’t stress you out, then this dish is the answer. Each bite provides a wonderful experience, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese restaurant but crafted right in your kitchen.
Whether you are a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, Easy Orange Chicken stands out with its uncomplicated preparation and vibrant flavor profile. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. It’s perfect served over a bed of rice or accompanied by steamed vegetables. In this article, we will explore the reasons you’ll love this recipe, the cooking times involved, and the simple ingredients you’ll need to recreate this amazing dish.
Just a few basic steps separate you from enjoying this delightful meal that will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the specifics of making Easy Orange Chicken, the heartwarming dish that will leave everyone wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


Easy Orange Chicken has everything you need for a delightful meal. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe is worth making:
1. Quick Preparation – With minimal prep and cook time, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
2. Easily Customizable – Adjust the sweetness or spice level based on your preferences.
3. Kid-Friendly – This dish is a hit with kids, making it ideal for family dinners.
4. Flavors that Shine – The amazing combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger will tantalize your taste buds.
5. Minimal Cleanup – Using just one pan reduces the amount of mess to clean up afterward.
6. Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a larger batch to portion out for lunches throughout the week.
7. Satisfying and Filling – Perfectly pairs with rice to make a fulfilling meal without the need for unnecessary sides.
With these appealing features combined, it’s easy to see why Easy Orange Chicken is a go-to recipe. It offers the comfort of a takeout favorite, delivered with the care of homemade cooking. The flavors and textures meld perfectly, resulting in a dish that delights.

Preparation and Cooking Time


Creating this delicious Easy Orange Chicken takes minimal time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
These time frames may vary slightly based on your cooking skills and equipment, but they present a solid estimate for getting this meal on the table swiftly.

Ingredients


– 1 pound of boneless chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cornstarch
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1 cup fresh orange juice
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– ⅓ cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions


Follow these simple steps to create your own Easy Orange Chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Setup Breading Station: In one bowl, place all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, pour the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, add the cornstarch.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the cornstarch, ensuring a thorough coating. Set aside.
4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Fry Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Work in batches if needed.
6. Remove Chicken: Once done, remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir until the mixture simmers and slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat each piece in the sauce evenly.
9. Let It Simmer: Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes, enhancing the flavor.
10. Serve Warm: Remove from heat, and transfer the Easy Orange Chicken to a serving dish, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
This straightforward method will yield a wonderful batch of Easy Orange Chicken that bursts with flavor.

How to Serve


To elevate your Easy Orange Chicken experience, consider these serving tips:
1. Serve Over Rice: A bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice perfectly absorbs the tangy sauce.
2. Accompany with Vegetables: Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad for added crunch and color.
3. Garnish: Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.
4. Pair with Beverages: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer for a refreshing accompaniment.
5. Family Style: Serve in a large bowl in the center of the table with everyone helping themselves for a casual, communal dining experience.
With these serving suggestions, you can create not just a meal but a delightful dining occasion that showcases your delicious Easy Orange Chicken. Enjoy!

Additional Tips


– Use Fresh Orange Juice: Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter flavor. Avoid pre-packaged juice for the best taste.
– Marinate the Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the diced chicken in some of the orange juice and soy sauce before breading it.
– Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
– Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the Easy Orange Chicken hot right after cooking. The sauce will keep the chicken crisp.

Recipe Variation


Explore these variations to put a twist on the classic Easy Orange Chicken:
1. Orange Chicken Stir-Fry: Instead of frying, toss the chicken in a hot wok with vegetables and sauce for a quick stir-fry.
2. Sweet and Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or honey for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cornstarch for the all-purpose flour and use a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Orange Chicken Tacos: Serve the chicken in corn tortillas with fresh avocado, cilantro, and salsa for a fun take on taco night.

Freezing and Storage


Storage: Store any leftover Easy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Special Equipment


To make Easy Orange Chicken, consider having these essential tools on hand:
– Large skillet or frying pan
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk for mixing ingredients
– Tongs for turning chicken while frying
– Paper towels for draining excess oil

Frequently Asked Questions


Can I make this dish in the oven instead?
Yes! If you prefer, you can bake the breaded chicken on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can easily substitute chicken thigh or breast with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
How can I make it less greasy?
To reduce the oil used, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it. A little oil spray can add a crispy texture without the additional fat.
Is this a one-pan dish?
Yes! The Easy Orange Chicken can be prepared in one skillet, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Can I use other citrus juices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion


Creating Easy Orange Chicken is an enjoyable culinary journey that brings a homemade takeout favorite right to your table. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making dinner not only simple but delicious. The dish’s flavorful orange sauce harmonizes beautifully with tender chicken, while the customizable options mean everyone can enjoy their favorite version. Whether you serve it over rice or accompany it with vegetables, this family-friendly meal will become a staple in your home. Enjoy sharing this delightful plate with loved ones!