Chicken in Orange Sauce Recipe
This Chicken in Orange Sauce recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in a vibrant, tangy orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and aromatic ginger and garlic. It’s a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for serving over rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Orange Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce, or 1/4 cup regular soy sauce plus 2 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon finely minced peeled fresh ginger
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- Kosher or coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, white and light green parts, sliced
To Serve
- Hot cooked rice (brown or white) or quinoa
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced ginger, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and Sauté the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat canola or vegetable oil in a very large skillet or wok over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken pieces and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn white on the outside, about 3 minutes.
- Cook with Sauce and Scallions: Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Add the sliced scallions. Continue cooking over high heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes more. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and orange sauce hot over cooked rice or quinoa. If desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan alternative, replace the chicken with firm tofu cut into similar-sized pieces.
- Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels or regular soy sauce diluted with water if desired.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to ensure food safety.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh ginger provide the best flavor for this dish.
- Can be served with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
Keywords: Chicken in orange sauce, orange chicken, stir-fry chicken, honey orange sauce, Asian chicken recipe
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/chicken-in-orange-sauce-recipe/
