Description
This takeout inspired 30-minute orange chicken recipe has crispy chicken in a bright and flavorful savory-sweet sticky sauce! It’s easier to make than other versions out there.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Chopped scallions (optional, for serving)
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest from 1 orange
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place it in a medium bowl. Season with some salt & pepper and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss until coated.
- Step: Add the sauce ingredients to another bowl and whisk together.
- Step: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes.
- Step: Once the pan is HOT, add half of the chicken to the skillet and ensure each piece isn’t crowded so it browns better. Cook for 4 minutes and then flip, using cooking tongs, and cook another 3-4 minutes or so. Chicken should be browned and cooked through (165F). For the second batch, add another tablespoon or so of olive oil to the pan. Transfer each batch of chicken to a plate once it’s done.
- Step: Turn the burner off, and pour the sauce into the skillet. As the sauce bubbles, stir/scrape it to loosen any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken back in and toss to coat. Serve immediately with the chopped scallions if desired.
Notes
Use orange juice with no pulp. For the orange zest, use about 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon (one medium orange) to avoid bitterness. This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 641 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
Keywords: orange chicken, chinese american, takeout style, crispy chicken, sticky sauce