Hey foodies! Tired of the same old takeout? Why not switch things up with our Homemade Orange Chicken recipe? It’s sticky, sweet, and oh-so-delicious – just like your favorite restaurant version, but made right in your own kitchen!
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be whipping up this mouthwatering dish in no time. Plus, it’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process!
So ditch the delivery and give our Homemade Orange Chicken a try. Trust us, once you taste that flavorful sauce coating tender chicken, you’ll never go back to takeout again. Who’s hungry?
Let’s Cook: Homemade Orange Chicken!
Hey there, kitchen pals! I’m Lavanda – a mom who loves to cook up tasty treats for my crew. Today, I’m sharing one of our faves: Homemade Orange Chicken!
Imagine juicy chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
And get this – you can make it at home! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right on your dinner table.
So, whether it’s a family feast or a hangout with friends, this Homemade Orange Chicken is sure to be a hit. Stick around for the recipe – it’s gonna be delicious!
Tasty Pairings: What to Eat with Homemade Orange Chicken!
Craving a complete meal that’ll satisfy your taste buds? Look no further! Here’s a mouthwatering list of side dishes to enjoy alongside your Homemade Orange Chicken. From fluffy rice to crisp veggies, these pairings are sure to take your culinary experience to the next level.
- Fluffy White Rice: A classic choice to soak up all that delicious orange sauce. The fluffy grains complement the tangy flavors perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Add a pop of color and nutrition to your plate with tender-crisp steamed broccoli. Its fresh taste balances out the richness of the chicken.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Whip up a vibrant medley of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a crunchy and flavorful accompaniment.
- Sesame Noodles: Dive into a bowl of savory sesame noodles for a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with the citrusy chicken.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Refresh your palate with a light and juicy fruit salad featuring oranges, berries, and melon. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after indulging in the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic Butter Naan: Tear off a piece of warm, buttery naan bread to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate. It’s a delightful way to round off your meal.
Essential Tools: Gear Up for Homemade Orange Chicken!
With these delectable pairings, your Homemade Orange Chicken meal will be complete! So go ahead, mix and match to create your perfect plate. Happy eating!
Hey there, kitchen wizards! Before we dive into cooking up some delicious Homemade Orange Chicken, let’s make sure we’ve got all the gear we need. Don’t worry, nothing fancy required – just a few basic tools to help us whip up this tasty dish with ease.
- Saucepan: This trusty pan will be your go-to for simmering up that mouthwatering orange sauce. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all those flavorful ingredients!
- Skillet: Get ready to sizzle! A large skillet is perfect for cooking up the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Resealable Plastic Bags: These handy bags are essential for marinating the chicken and coating it with seasoned flour. Just seal, shake, and you’re good to go!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of all those tasty ingredients that make the sauce so irresistible. Let’s get those flavors just right!
- Cutting Board and Knife: Time to chop up some green onions, grate some orange zest, and mince some garlic and ginger. A sturdy cutting board and sharp knife will make quick work of it.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix up the cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce. Keep it smooth and lump-free for the perfect consistency.
- Paper Towels: Essential for draining the cooked chicken and soaking up any excess oil. Keep those crispy bites crispy!
With these trusty tools by your side, you’ll be all set to tackle this Homemade Orange Chicken recipe like a pro. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cookin’!
How to Make Easy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Craving the sweet and tangy flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish? Look no further! This homemade orange chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy this sticky, flavorful dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups water
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Chicken:
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, rice vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, and orange juice. Stir in brown sugar, green onion, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cubes in a resealable plastic bag and pour in 1 cup of the cooled sauce. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
- Coat the Chicken: In another resealable plastic bag, mix flour, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it into the bag of seasoned flour. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in the hot skillet until browned on both sides. Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate and cover with aluminum foil. Wipe out the skillet.
- Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the boiling sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the cooked chicken, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the orange chicken over rice and enjoy the delicious flavors!
With this easy homemade orange chicken recipe, you can skip the takeout and enjoy a delicious meal made right at home. The sweet and tangy flavors combined with tender chicken make this dish a family favorite. Give it a try for your next dinner, and you won’t be disappointed!
Mastering Homemade Orange Chicken: Top Tips for Success!
Hey there, aspiring chefs! Ready to take your culinary skills to the next level? Let’s dive into some handy tips to ensure your Homemade Orange Chicken turns out absolutely perfect every time. Trust us, with these tips, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time!
- Marinate for Flavor: Don’t rush the marinating process! Letting the chicken soak up that delicious orange sauce for at least 2 hours ensures maximum flavor infusion. Patience pays off, folks!
- Coat it Right: When coating the chicken in flour, make sure to shake off any excess before frying. This ensures a crispy coating without any clumps – nobody likes a soggy bite!
- Golden Brown Goodness: Fry the chicken in batches and don’t overcrowd the skillet. This ensures each piece gets golden brown and crispy without steaming. Trust us, crispy chicken is where it’s at!
- Thicken with Care: When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, make sure to whisk it into a smooth slurry before adding it to the simmering sauce. No lumps allowed here!
- Serve with Flair: Garnish your Homemade Orange Chicken with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Presentation is key!
With these tips up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to becoming an orange chicken masterchef! So roll up those sleeves, preheat that skillet, and get ready to impress your taste buds. Happy cooking!
Storing and Reheating Homemade Orange Chicken: Easy Tips!
Hey there, leftover lovers! Wondering what to do with that extra batch of Homemade Orange Chicken? Don’t fret – we’ve got you covered! Follow these simple tips to store and reheat your tasty leftovers for a delicious meal round two.
- Storing Like a Pro: Once cooled, transfer any leftover orange chicken to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating with Care: When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of ways to reheat them. For best results, we recommend using the oven or a skillet.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Skillet Method: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to revive that crispy exterior!
- Serve and Enjoy: Once heated, serve your reheated orange chicken over rice or alongside your favorite side dishes. Add a fresh garnish of chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Homemade Orange Chicken leftovers just as deliciously as the first time around. So go ahead, dig in, and savor every tasty bite!
Handy Tips for Newbies:
Hey there, kitchen rookies! Ready to embark on your culinary journey with our Homemade Orange Chicken recipe? Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking – we’ve got some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out absolutely scrumptious. Let’s dive in!
- Take Your Time: Cooking is all about patience, so don’t rush the process. Take your time marinating the chicken to let those flavors mingle and develop fully.
- Prep Like a Pro: Before you start cooking, make sure to gather all your ingredients and equipment. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Follow the Recipe: It might seem obvious, but make sure to read the recipe carefully and follow each step. It’s the key to success in the kitchen!
- Stay Organized: Keep your workspace tidy as you cook. This makes it easier to navigate and prevents any kitchen chaos.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Cooking is all about having fun and getting creative! Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe – maybe some extra veggies or a dash of your favorite spices.
- Ask for Help if You Need It: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or even a quick Google search, there’s plenty of support out there.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to whipping up a delicious batch of Homemade Orange Chicken like a seasoned pro. So roll up those sleeves, put on your chef’s hat, and get ready to impress yourself with your newfound cooking skills!
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup vinegar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2½ tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- ¼ tsp minced fresh ginger root
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Chicken:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Combine water, rice vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, and orange juice for sauce into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in brown sugar, green onion, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Pour in 1 cup cooled sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Reserve the remaining sauce.
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in another resealable plastic bag.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and place into the bag of seasoned flour. Seal the bag and shake to coat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken in the hot skillet until browned on both sides.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and cover with aluminum foil. Wipe out the skillet.
- Pour reserved sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Mix together cornstarch and water until completely smooth. Stir into the boiling sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the chicken, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a bit more red pepper flakes or some chili sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Orange Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of minced garlic in the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Orange Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for a nutty flavor and added crunch.
- Orange Pineapple Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Orange Teriyaki Chicken: Replace the soy sauce in the sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
Note: Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
HAVE YOU TRIED MAKING THESE Orange Chicken RECIPE?
Please share in the comments below! We always love to hear your thoughts. If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #appetizersandentrees on Instagram. We really enjoy seeing what you’re cooking in the kitchen.
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Made this tonight and it was so goooooooooooooooooooooooooooood. Sticky but who cares cuz the taste is awesome, if you are debating on trying, I suggest you do!!!!!!!!
It was a really good dinner! thank you for sharing your recipe!
It was very delicious!
I love finding recipes for my favorite takeout foods, so I can control salt and other ingredients.
I used fresh minced ginger and the whole dish was delightful. Thanks a bunch for this recipe!!!!!
Absolutely amazing. want to quadruple the sauce it is INCREDIBLE!!!
This recipe is a keeper & I will be making this at least once a week!! Yum, thank you Lavanda😍😍😍😍
My son loves orange chicken. I will have to make this for him.
Orange chicken is so yummy! I will have to try your recipe!
This orange chicken sounds awesome for dinner tonight! The best idea!
This recipe is easy and quick, love it and looks delicious.
You’re making me hungry, I must make this recipe for sunday dinner. Thanks for sharing this with us.
I tried this last night, and I was amazed. I can’t wait for my daughter and husband when they come home from the college tour this weekend.
This recipe is making me crave! It looks absolutely delicious and tasty! Love it!
This is one of my son’s favorite dish. He would eat chicken every single day.
[…] Orange Chicken […]
This looks so flavorful! Sounds just delicious. I’m sure it would be a big hit in our household.
I love Orange Chicken. I’ll have to give this recipe a try. The last time I tried to make it, it flopped and didn’t come out right.
I ran across this recipe on Twitter/X and I had to give it a try! It is truly amazing! The Sauce is so good, I want to add it to other dishes!
This looks so good! Orange chicken is one of my favorite Asian foods, the sauce and the crispness of the chicken go so well together!
These orange chicken bites are seriously amazing! Your family will love them, trust me. They’re super easy to make, perfect for busy evenings. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why they’re a hit in our household!
Loved the recipe, gonna try this out for sure, I am a big fan of orange as a flavour.. love the zest it brings to any dish..
My oldest daughter loves Orange Chicken so I am pinning this recipe to make it when she comes to visit 😉 She will absolutely love it homemade!
Tried a new recipe last night, and it was delicious! My family loved it, and I’m looking forward to making it again.
Made this recipe for the first time last night, and it was so good! My family really liked it, and I’m eager to cook it again.
This is the best orange chicken recipe I have ever tried. My family loved it and I will sure make it again real soon.!
I love this recipe! it was so delicious. i look forward to making it again!
I usually get takeout once and week, and now I can make it at home has been a game charger. I love this recipe and it is spot on with flavor.
Cooked up this recipe solo last night, and it was a solo success! Every bite felt like a win, and I’m already planning the next solo cooking session.
I tried this recipe last night, and it was a dinner delight! My family’s satisfaction was clear, and they’re already hoping it becomes a regular on our menu.
WOW, This is far better than takeout! Love it.
Thanks for sharing, 💛Appetizers & Entrees
I made this orange chicken recipe for dinner, and it was a real good! My family love it, and now they’re asking when I’ll make it again.
This was so very tasty and delicious!
Yummy! This was so very delicious!
Better than Panda Express for sure!