Description
A healthy and flavorful twist on classic orange chicken, this recipe uses fresh orange juice and a blend of spices to create a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken breast pieces. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s an ideal weeknight meal served with steamed broccoli and rice.
Ingredients
To Marinate Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
Sauce Mixture
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt to taste
Cooking & Garnish
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice, to serve
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli, to serve
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-size bowl, combine all ingredients listed under the ‘To Marinate Chicken’ section. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch, orange zest, minced garlic, minced ginger, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and salt until the sugar fully dissolves. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Heat the Skillet and Cook Chicken: Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté the chicken on medium flame for 4-5 minutes without stirring too much. Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened, add sesame seeds and chopped green onions to the skillet. Give a final stir to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the orange chicken alongside cooked rice and steamed broccoli for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra chili garlic sauce or red chili flakes according to taste.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce to prevent lumps.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
