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+ servings

Hot Orange Chicken

A quick and flavorful take on classic orange chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp sesame oil

Orange Sauce

  • 0.75 cup orange juice freshly squeezed is best
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water

For Cooking and Garnish

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • green onions chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare the orange sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour the prepared orange sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the thickened orange sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. This dish is great served over rice.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your preference by altering the brown sugar and rice vinegar amounts.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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