This orange chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish that brings the refreshing, citrusy flavor of orange to your dinner table. With tender chicken breasts coated in a glossy, tangy sauce made from fresh orange juice, white wine, and a touch of cinnamon, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes
- Tangy, citrusy sauce with a hint of cinnamon
- One-pan meal for easy cleanup
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Great served with rice or vegetables
What Is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a savory-sweet dish made with chicken breasts that are seared to a golden crisp and then simmered in a tangy orange sauce. The sauce is made from fresh orange juice, white wine, and a touch of cinnamon, which gives it a lovely depth of flavor. It’s a comforting dish that combines savory chicken with the sweetness of the citrus, creating a perfectly balanced meal. Traditionally served in Chinese restaurants, this version is simplified and made right in your own kitchen.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Sear the chicken until golden to give it a nice texture before simmering in the sauce.
- Use dry white wine to balance out the sweetness of the orange juice.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick in your sauce.
- Pair with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well and will result in a slightly juicier dish. Adjust cooking time as necessary, since thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and pour it over freshly cooked chicken.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken, and ensure the wine and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, just simmer it longer to reduce, or add a little extra cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
How to Freeze
This dish is freezer-friendly. Freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Ingredients
How to Make Orange Chicken
;Resize,width=712;)
Start by lightly coating the chicken breasts in flour, ensuring they’re well covered on all sides. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8–10 minutes.
Start by lightly coating the chicken breasts in flour, ensuring they’re well covered on all sides. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 8–10 minutes.
;Resize,width=712;)
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, deglaze with dry white wine and cook for a couple of minutes until the alcohol evaporates. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the orange juice with the cornstarch and salt, stirring until smooth.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, deglaze with dry white wine and cook for a couple of minutes until the alcohol evaporates. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the orange juice with the cornstarch and salt, stirring until smooth.
Pour the orange mixture into the pan and stir constantly with a whisk. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
;Resize,width=712;)
Pour the orange mixture into the pan and stir constantly with a whisk. Cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
;Resize,width=767;)
