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Quick Tangy Orange Chicken Recipe

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A quick and easy 30-minute homemade dinner featuring crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce with a fresh zest kick. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, steamed broccoli or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until lightly coated. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Set aside. (About 3 minutes)
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. (8-10 minutes total)
  4. Return skillet to medium heat and pour in the orange sauce mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add cooked chicken back to skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, over steamed rice or noodles with vegetables.

Notes

Patting chicken dry before coating ensures crispiness. Avoid crowding the pan to get even browning. Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. If sauce thickens too fast, add a splash of water to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use certified gluten-free cornstarch.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, quick dinner, tangy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, homemade orange chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and tangy sauce

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-tangy-orange-chicken-recipe-30-minute-homemade-dinner-idea/