1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken thighscut into 1-inch pieces
2tbspsoy sauce
1tbspcornstarch
0.5tspsesame oil
Orange Sauce
0.75cuporange juicefreshly squeezed is best
0.25cuprice vinegar
3tbspbrown sugar
1tbspsoy sauce
1clovegarlicminced
0.5tspgrated fresh ginger
1tspcornstarch
2tbspwater
For Cooking and Garnish
2tbspvegetable oil
sesame seedsfor garnish (optional)
green onionschopped, 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.