Craving orange chicken? try our lightning-fast recipe!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken but short on time? Our orange chicken recipe fast will satisfy your taste buds and leave you with plenty of time to spare. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper.

5. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over it. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Tips

• For a crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken with cornstarch before frying.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your desired sweetness level.
• Serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice or brown rice.
• Noodles: Pair the chicken with lo mein noodles or rice noodles.
• Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the dish for a healthy side.

Finishing Touches

• Garnish with Orange Zest: Sprinkle fresh orange zest over the orange chicken before serving for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Add a Side of Soy Sauce: Offer a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping.
• Enjoy the Sweet and Tangy Delight: Savor the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken, the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cutting it into pieces.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If the sauce is too thin, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened.

Q: Can I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Yes, you can store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.