Easy Orange Chicken (Print version)
Tender chicken bites tossed in a sticky orange sauce with ginger, garlic, and green onions for a fast takeout-style dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the orange sauce
01 -
1 large orange, zested and juiced, about 1/2 cup (120 ml) juice
02 -
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
03 -
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
04 -
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
07 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
08 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the chicken
09 -
1 1/4 lb (565 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
10 -
1 large egg
11 -
3 tablespoons cornstarch
12 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 -
2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
For serving
15 -
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
16 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
17 -
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
In a bowl, whisk orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
02 -
Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-size pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then stir in the chicken until coated.
03 -
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
04 -
Turn the pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes more, until golden and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
05 -
Lower the heat to medium. Pour the orange sauce into the skillet and simmer, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
06 -
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until coated. Serve hot over rice with green onions and sesame seeds if using.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right after tossing so the chicken keeps some crisp edges.
02 -
Use low-sodium soy sauce if serving with rice or other salty sides.
03 -
Cook poultry to 165°F for food safety.