Craving that mouthwatering orange chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant but don't want to wait for delivery or spend a fortune? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet cooking space with this incredibly fast and delicious recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's fresher, healthier, and more satisfying than any takeout you've ever had.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of cubed chicken breast, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, and sesame seeds for garnish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the chicken until it is well coated. This will help to create a crispy texture when cooked.
- In another bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This will be your sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange juice mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken that’s quicker than takeout!
Tips
- Chicken Coating Secrets: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve that crispy exterior.
- Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat to get a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken without burning it. A hot skillet is key to developing rich flavors.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk your cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps in the sauce. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure each piece gets crispy. If needed, cook in batches to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
- Fresh is Best: While this recipe uses dried garlic and ginger powders, fresh minced garlic and ginger can elevate the flavor profile even further.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the sesame seeds! They add a nutty flavor and professional touch to your dish.Pro tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add some red pepper flakes for heat or swap orange juice with mandarin orange segments for extra texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
