Easy Orange Chicken: A Tangy, Sweet, and Savory Delight

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Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade Easy Orange Chicken! This flavorful dish, inspired by Tasty.co and Rachel Ray, delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in just 90 minutes. Tender chicken is marinated in a simple soy-orange mixture, then quickly seared and cooked in a rich, glossy sauce. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with bright, citrusy flavor
• Tender, juicy chicken every time
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Quicker and healthier than takeout
• Customizable to your taste preferences
• Feeds a family of 4 generously

Time Breakdown

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes marinating)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• ¼ cup (60g) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil
• ¾ cup (180ml) orange juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, and ¼ cup cornstarch. Add the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade using a slotted spoon, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
3. Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.

4. Make the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken.
2. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Easy Orange Chicken immediately over steamed white rice.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or orange zest for extra flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours for maximum impact.
2. Cornstarch for Texture: The cornstarch in the marinade helps create a nice, crispy exterior on the chicken when seared.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. For a more tart flavor, increase the rice vinegar.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in a single layer for best browning. Work in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
5. Thicken Sauce Gradually: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch sauce to allow it to thicken properly. Don’t rush this step.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swaps: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce.
• Serve with Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked lo mein or udon noodles.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

This Easy Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. With its vibrant flavors and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

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