Easy orange chicken on stove: a step-by-step guide for home chefs

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken, a delectable dish that can be effortlessly prepared on your stovetop. With its vibrant orange sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

#Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

#Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to coat.
• Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

#Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

#Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

#Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give your sauce a brighter flavor than store-bought juice.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough. Cook it just until it is no longer pink in the center.
• Thicken the sauce to your desired consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until desired thickness is achieved.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the skillet while cooking the chicken.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.

Variations on Orange Chicken

• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup honey and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds to the sauce.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Double the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken

• Storage: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and add it to the sauce while cooking until desired thickness is achieved.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.