Introduction

This Orange Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant, sweet, and tangy sauce made from fresh Florida orange juice and a blend of flavorful ingredients. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or anytime you want a delicious meal with a citrusy kick.

A white bowl sits on a woven light tan placemat on a white marbled surface, filled half with white rice sprinkled with small brown flakes, and the other half with glossy, golden-brown chicken pieces covered in sauce, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Two bright orange wedges rest on top of the chicken. Nearby, a glass with orange juice, two white green onions, a fork with a wooden handle, and a small glass jar filled with more chopped green onions complete the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup Florida Orange Juice
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt for seasoning
Pepper for seasoning
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. white pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Florida orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Step 3: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue boiling until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, coat the chicken pieces lightly with cornstarch before sautéing.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
Serve with steamed vegetables or stir-fried broccoli for a complete meal.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with garlic powder if needed.

Storage

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl contains two main layers: on the right, a fluffy layer of white rice sprinkled lightly with red pepper flakes, and on the left, a glossy layer of orange chicken pieces coated in a shiny sauce with sesame seeds scattered on top. Two orange slices rest near the center, touching the chicken and rice, while chopped green onions are sprinkled over the chicken. The bowl sits on a woven light tan placemat over a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a glass filled with orange juice, and to the right, a fork with a wooden handle lies next to a small glass cup filled with more chopped green onions. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

This vibrant Orange Chicken recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy Florida orange-infused sauce. The chicken is sautéed to a golden brown and then simmered in a flavorful blend of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and spices, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this easy-to-make dish pairs perfectly with rice for a satisfying meal bursting with citrusy goodness.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Entree
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Chinese Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt for seasoning
Pepper for seasoning
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

Orange Sauce

½ cup Florida Orange Juice
½ cup honey
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. white pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Garnish

Green onions, sliced
Toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, Florida Orange Juice, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, cornstarch, ground ginger, white pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined and smooth.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the sauté pan with the chicken. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Thicken the sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to boil until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken thoroughly.
Serve: Remove the pan from heat and serve the orange chicken immediately over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an added burst of flavor and texture.