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Derived from the most delicious cuisines in the world, this Chinese Sticky Orange Chicken Recipe is irresistibly delicious and done in only 20 minutes!
Introducing bites of golden crispy chicken smothered in a sticky and tangy homemade orange sauce, this recipe is a perfect weeknight meal!
And despite it leaning towards the healthier side, this does not compromise on its insane flavor! Hands down, one of the best Asian dishes I have ever made!
Sticky Orange Chicken Recipe
Ever since social media went wild over recreating Panda Express’s crazy good Sticky Orange chicken, I knew I had to hop and see what was the hype all about; and boy… I wasn’t disappointed!
This family favorite is packed with everything that makes the mouth water. The looks, the taste, and the incredible smell!
As far as orange chicken recipes go, this one is pretty easy and the whole family will enjoy! An absolute must try!
Food Cravings Are Hitting Hard!
Serving Suggestions!
When it comes to food, I think it is a universal agreement that presentation is as important as taste! You know what they say…we eat with our eyes first!
Here are a few suggestions for serving a picturesque dish of Sticky Orange Chicken worthy of an Instagram moment!
Let’s start with the basics! Serve your crispy orange chicken with a side of steamed broccoli, steamed vegetables, green beans, fluffy bowl of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa!
Now, if you are a more adventurous eater, then pair your Chinese food with baby bok choy (cut in half and stir fried in hot pan), stir fried vegetable rice, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
This Chinese Orange Chicken Just Hits Different!
Recipe Variations You Might Consider Trying!
Despite this recipe being oh-my-god delicious, and on the healthier side as far as chicken recipes go, I might just have a few variations worth trying!
First, if you are interested in a cleaner diet, feel free to omit the sauce completely. The baked seasoned chicken is actually very delicious on its own.
Fried Chicken
Jumping off of the healthy diet cliff, here’s how to make this sticky orange chicken recipe with fried chicken.
In a medium bowl, marinate the chicken pieces for about 30 minutes in flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, egg, oil, and water. Fry, then coat with the sticky orange sauce!
Gluten-Free
If you hopped on a gluten-free diet, then make a room for one more recipe! Turn your sticky orange chicken gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free soy sauce.
Plant-Based
And just when you thought that I would run out of ideas, here’s a plant based version of the irresistible dish.
Replace the chicken with oyster mushroom (a personal favorite), cauliflower florets, or even tofu (orange tofu?…interesting!).
Tear or cut your chosen alternative in the wet then dry batter, then fry them in a large skillet over medium-high heat (or deep fry). Pour the sweet orange sauce all over the dish and you are good to go!
Customize It to Your Liking!
Storing Tips
I have a strong hunch that this family favorite will have your loved ones asking for seconds and thirds! But just in case my spidey senses fail me and you are left with a lot to spare, here’s how you can store leftovers for days ahead!
Oh and guess what! This recipe is perfect for your weekly meal prep! Here, let me show you how!
To Store: Store your leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: If your chicken is already coated in the orange sauce, then place it in an airtight container in the freezer for 1 month. Or, and of prepared beforehand, place your golden chicken and orange sauce in two different containers, then pop them in the freezer.
Meal Prep: Divide the meal into even sized portion in airtight containers. Each portion has 1 cup of steamed broccoli (or preferred steamed veggie), half a cup of rice or quinoa, and about 2-3 tablespoons of orange chicken.
Easy Peasy!
Add It to Your Weekly Meal Rotation! No Regrets!
Tips for Delicious Results!
Tip 1: Make sure you don’t over-crowd your chicken pieces. Place them as a single layer for the best results.
Tip 2: Garnish your sticky orange chicken with spring onions, sesame seeds, garlic salt, or red pepper flakes!
Tip 3: I would definitely recommend using fresh oranges and fresh orange juice for this recipe. Don’t get me wrong, store-bought orange juice or orange marmalade work just fine; but fresh juice gives the recipe an extra kick!
Crispy, Tangy, and Sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Well, yeah sure. However, keep in mind that the results won’t be quite as crunchy. The starch found in corn starch is the secret weapon that gives the chicken its crispiness and golden color.
Definitely! Feel free to replace the boneless skinless chicken breasts with juicy chicken thighs. They are tender and don’t dry as fast as chicken breasts. Enjoy your sticky orange glazed chicken thighs!
If you notice that your sticky sauce is getting too thick then a little water should do the trick! Add a couple tablespoons of water to the mix, and problem solved!
What a Filling Meal Looks Like!
The List of Simple Ingredients You Will Need
- chicken breast
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- paprika
- black pepper
- salt
Sticky Orange Sauce
- olive oil
- garlic
- orange juice
- soy sauce
- maple syrup, honey, or sugar
- apple cider vinegar
- orange zest
- starch
- water
Forks Ready? Tummy Hungry? Dig in!
Here’s The Cooking Process!
First, preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the chicken breast flat on a clean surface, then cut in half horizontally to make chicken breast thinner.
Second, cube the chicken then place in a small bowl. Drizzle olive oil then add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Next, place the cubed chicken on a prepared parchment paper sprayed with cooking oil, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the orange sauce! Mix 1 tablespoon of starch with 1/2 cup of cold water until dissolved.
Finally, add the cooked cubed crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and mix until the chicken is fully coated. Enjoy with a side of rice or quinoa and steamed broccoli.
PIN IT!
Other Delicious Recipes for You!
- Ground Meat Rice and Chicken (Roz w Jeij)
- Ramen Noodle Chicken Soup (Instant Pot)
- Grilled Chicken Tikka (Tandoori Chicken)
- Best Chicken Gallaba
- Layered Chicken Biryani
- Seasoned Sir Fried Rotisserie Chicken
- Middle Eastern Chicken Kafta Burgers
- Crispy Air-Fried BBQ Chicken Wings
- Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Puff Pastry
- Chicken and Potato Béchamel Bake
Sticky Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts , about 2 lbs
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- garlic powder
- paprika
- black pepper
- salt
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup, honey or sugar
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- ⅛ tsp. orange zest
- 1 tbsp. starch
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Lay the chicken breast flat on a clean surface, then cut in half horizontally to make the chicken breast thinner.
- Cube the chicken, then place in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil then add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cubed chicken on a prepared parchment paper sprayed with cooking oil spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the orange sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of starch with 1/2 cup of cold water until dissolved.
- In a medium skillet, add the olive oil and cook the minced garlic and minced ginger for 1 minute.
- Following that, add the orange juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup or sugar, orange zest, and the 1/2 cup of dissolved starch on high heat.
- Mix until sauce has thickened. Taste, then adjust the salt by adding more soy sauce or maple syrup to your liking.
- Add the cooked cube chicken to the sauce and mix until the chicken is fully coated. Enjoy with aside of rice or quinoa and steamed broccoli.
Notes
- Make sure you don’t over-crowd your chicken pieces. Place them as a single layer for the best results.
- Garnish your sticky orange chicken with green onion, sesame seeds, garlic salt, or red pepper flakes!
- I would definitely recommend using fresh oranges and fresh orange juice for this recipe. Don’t get me wrong, store-bought orange juice or orange marmalade work just fine; but fresh juice gives the recipe an extra kick!
Made your recipe today, but served it with rice. It was a hit
It’s fireworks
Fantastic recipe my family love it. The chicken was moist and flavorful
Awesome! If you have left overs you can enjoy this meal for meal prep!