Simple Orange Chicken Recipe: Easy & Delicious Meal

Growing up, I always loved the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken. It was a dish that brought my family together around the dinner table, filling the house with the warm, inviting aroma of citrus and spices. Now, as the creator of ChickenDinnerIdeas, I aim to recreate that magic with this Simple Orange Chicken Recipe. My goal is to make dinnertime both easy and enjoyable, without sacrificing flavor.

This Simple Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful blend of crispy chicken and a flavorful orange sauce. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet quick to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring a burst of flavor to your table.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Simple Orange Chicken Recipe is designed to be accessible and fun. I believe that good food can bring people together, and this dish is no exception. Let’s dive into the details and make chicken the highlight of your day!

Simple Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Madison
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Française

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Discover a quick and easy Simple Orange Chicken Recipe that will teach you how to create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors for a delightful meal.

---

Ingredients

• 6 whole boneless chicken thighs, or 2 lb (907 g) s. of chicken tenderloins
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (15 ml). corn starch
• 1 tsp (5 ml). black pepper, or less to taste, fresh ground
• 1 tsp (5 ml). onion powder
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml). ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml). salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml). paprika, to add color to the chicken
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice
• 11/2 tbsp (83 ml). corn starch
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) s. vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) s. low sodium soy sauce
• 11/2 tbsp (83 ml). rice vinegar, or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) s. brown sugar
• 1/2 tbsp (8 ml). grated ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml). black pepper, fresh ground
• 1 tsp (5 ml). orange zest
• Chili flakes, optional to add heat

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into ½-inch cubes and put them in a bowl. Toss in the flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder to coat the chicken evenly.
2. In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook to avoid making them tough.
3. While the chicken is frying, combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. Pour the mixture into a hot non-stick skillet or frying pan, cooking on low heat until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the fried chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat the pieces thoroughly. Allow the sauce and chicken to simmer together for 1-2 minutes, then take off the heat.
5. Serve alongside homemade Lo Mein Noodles or white rice. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

---

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flour and cornstarch blend for optimal crispiness when fried
• Utilize fresh orange juice and zest to enhance the citrus flavor and balance the savory chicken
• Maintain low heat while thickening the sauce to avoid cornstarch clumps and achieve a smooth texture

Mastering the Simple Orange Chicken Recipe

Fundamentals

The Simple Orange Chicken Recipe starts with chicken thighs or tenderloins, cut into bite-sized cubes. These pieces are coated in a mixture of flour, corn starch, and spices, including black pepper, onion powder, ginger powder, salt, and paprika. This coating not only adds flavor but also creates a crispy exterior when fried.

The star of this dish is the orange sauce. Fresh orange juice is combined with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This blend creates a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, with a hint of acidity from the vinegar. The sauce thickens as it simmers, coating the fried chicken perfectly.

Preparation/setup

Begin by cutting the chicken into ½-inch cubes. This size ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the maximum amount of flavor from the sauce. In a bowl, toss the chicken with the dry ingredients until each piece is well-coated.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking. Once the chicken turns golden brown, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Crafting the Perfect Orange Chicken Sauce

Technique

The sauce for this Simple Orange Chicken Recipe is all about balance. Start by combining fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely.

In a non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of oil over low heat. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and let it simmer. As it cooks, the flavors meld together, creating a rich, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. If you prefer a bit of heat, add chili flakes to the sauce to taste.

Tips/tricks

To ensure the sauce thickens properly, dissolve 1½ tablespoons of corn starch in a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce as it simmers. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of water or additional orange juice to thin it out.

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the sauce. This enhances the fresh orange aroma and complements the sweetness of the juice. Remember to taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Achieving the Ideal Texture and Flavor

Perfecting results

Once the sauce reaches the desired thickness, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Stir gently to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

The key to perfecting this Simple Orange Chicken Recipe lies in the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the orange juice and brown sugar should complement the savory notes of soy sauce and garlic. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices if desired.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your sauce turns out too thick, gradually add more liquid until it reaches the right consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. For a unique twist, try incorporating other citrus juices like lemon or lime for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add texture and color to the dish. Check out our Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for more inspiration.

Presenting and Storing Your Dish

Serving/presentation

For a visually appealing presentation, serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed white rice or alongside homemade Lo Mein noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and color.

Arrange the chicken pieces neatly on a platter, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a glossy finish. Pair your meal with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Pairings/storage

This Simple Orange Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, like our Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Caesar Salad Boats, for a refreshing contrast.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. For more chicken dinner ideas, explore our Sheet Pan Broccoli Tortellini Bake and other recipes.

Conclusion

The Simple Orange Chicken Recipe is a testament to the power of simple, flavorful ingredients. With a crispy exterior and a tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The balance of sweet and savory notes makes it a versatile meal for any occasion.

From the fundamentals of preparation to the final presentation, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience. Its ease of preparation and rich flavor profile make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Explore more chicken recipes at ChickenDinnerIdeas and elevate your dinnertime routine with delicious and easy-to-make dishes.

FAQs – Simple Orange Chicken Recipe