Quick Orange Chicken Recipe

There is something incredibly satisfying about making your favorite takeout dish right in your own kitchen. I was surprised to find that this Orange Chicken Recipe is actually faster than waiting for a delivery driver.

The sauce is sticky and sweet, while the chicken stays delightfully crispy. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your personal taste preference.

What Makes This Orange Chicken a Keeper for Years to Come

Using frozen popcorn chicken is a clever shortcut that saves significant prep time. It means you can focus entirely on getting that glossy citrus glaze just right.

Fresh orange juice and zest give the sauce a brightness that bottled versions just cannot match. The balance of sweet and savory flavors hits the spot every single time I make it.

Cleanup is a breeze since you make the sauce in the same skillet used for the vegetables. I love serving a meal that tastes this complex but requires so little effort.

After a savory dinner, nothing beats the sweetness of my Irresistible Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe. If you still have citrus on your mind, the Ultimate Lemon Shortbread Cookies Recipe is another fantastic treat to try.

Everything You Need for Perfect Orange Chicken

Here are the pantry staples and fresh items you will need to gather:

• Canola oil: A neutral oil that withstands higher heat for sautéing the vegetables.
• Carrots: Sliced thinly to add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
• Frozen popcorn chicken: This convenient base ensures a crispy texture without the hassle of deep frying from scratch.
• Orange zest: Adds aromatic oils that punch up the orange flavor significantly.
• Garlic clove: Freshly minced garlic provides a savory backbone to the sweet sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Gives the glaze that signature depth and sticky consistency.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the juice and the saltiness of the hoisin.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the sauce.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle background heat to round out the seasoning.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a dash provides a subtle kick, but you can add more if you like heat.

My Method for Perfect Orange Chicken

Let’s get cooking!

1. Start by preheating your oven and baking the frozen popcorn chicken according to the package directions. It is crucial to bake them until they are deep golden brown and very crisp, as this ensures they hold up well when tossed in the sauce later. While they are baking, you can prep your vegetables and measure out your sauce ingredients so everything is ready to go.
2. While the chicken cooks, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced carrots to the pan and sauté them for about three to five minutes until they are tender but still have a bit of a bite. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute longer until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the orange zest, orange juice, hoisin sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer uncovered. Cook the sauce for four to six minutes, stirring constantly, until it reduces and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully baked, add the hot chicken pieces directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently but quickly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the glossy orange glaze. Serve immediately while the coating is still crispy and warm.

My Best Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

To keep the coating crunchy, serve the dish immediately after tossing the chicken in the glaze. I recommend having your rice and sides ready to go before the final step.

Be careful not to grate the white pith when zesting the fruit, as it can add a bitter taste. A microplane works best to get just the bright orange outer layer for this Orange Chicken.

If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, you can whisk in a splash of water to loosen it up. Orange Chicken is forgiving, so you can easily adjust the consistency to your liking.

Best Ways to Enjoy Orange Chicken

Fluffy jasmine rice is my favorite base for soaking up the extra sticky sauce. I often steam some broccoli or snap peas to add a fresh green crunch to the plate.

For a fun twist, you can serve this Orange Chicken over noodles or even inside lettuce wraps. It makes for a fantastic lunch the next day, though the breading will be softer.

I’d love to see how your dinner turns out, so be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more easy meal inspiration.

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and delicious homemade orange chicken recipe using crispy popcorn chicken tossed in a sweet and savory citrus glaze.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 medium carrots, sliced thin
• 16 oz frozen popcorn chicken
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1.5 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 dash cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Bake the popcorn chicken in the oven according to the package instructions until golden and very crispy.
2. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat and sauté the sliced carrots for 3-5 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the orange juice, hoisin sauce, sugar, orange zest, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the baked chicken to the skillet and toss quickly to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately over rice.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• None:
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 1294mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Orange Chicken Recipe, easy dinner, homemade takeout, 30 minute meal