Description

This easy Orange Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy crust and tossed in a bright, tangy, and sweet orange sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights, offering vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables for a complete family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup natural gelling agent
2 tbsp cooking oil (for frying)

Orange Sauce

3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
3 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
1 tsp sesame oil (natural)

Garnish

2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, pat dry, then coat evenly with a mixture of cornstarch and natural gelling agent. This coating ensures a light, crispy texture once cooked.
Make the Orange Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of natural gelling agent until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Reduce heat to low, pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet, and cook until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sauce, coating each piece evenly for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the saucy chicken. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
Fry chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding and keep pieces crispy.
Taste the sauce and adjust brown sugar (natural) or apple cider vinegar to preferred sweetness and acidity.
Ensure the sauce is thick but still pourable by using the natural gelling agent appropriately.
Serve Orange Chicken fresh for optimal texture contrast; avoid microwaving when reheating to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: orange chicken, quick dinner, gluten free, crispy chicken, orange sauce, weeknight recipe, family-friendly