You know, as a mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and tasty meals that can bring everyone to the table with a smile. Life gets pretty hectic, doesn’t it? Between work, school, and all the other things on our plates, finding a little slice of sanity, and some family time, is gold. That’s why easy recipes have a special place in my heart—and my kitchen! One of the family’s absolute favorites is this delicious Orange Chicken with Homemade Sauce. It’s so easy to whip up, you’ll be amazed!
I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those whirlwind weeks—you know the kind, when there’s hardly a moment to breathe, let alone cook a proper meal. My kids were craving something flavorful but I didn’t have the energy for anything too complicated. Enter: this simple yet scrumptious Orange Chicken. It’s become my weeknight secret weapon! Honestly, I adore how the fresh orange juice gives it that zesty kick, while the soy sauce and brown sugar add the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Plus, everything about it screams comfort, right from the first bite.
It’s also a breeze to prepare. Seriously, if you can mix a few ingredients and keep an eye on a frying pan, you’ve got all the skills needed to make this dish. The best part? You’re likely to have most ingredients on hand already. And oh, the aroma that fills the house! It’s so good even the neighbors get curious. Imagine everyone’s surprise when they inquire about the delicious scent wafting from our kitchen and I tell them it’s homemade—easy peasy! The mixture of spices creates an inviting warmth that’s hard to resist, making every ounce of effort worth it. Once you try it, I bet you’ll want to add this to your weekly meal rotation.
Not only is it delightful to eat, but it also brings our family together at the end of a busy day. Sitting around the table, sharing laughs, and relishing this heartwarming meal is one of my favorite moments of the day. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your family fall in love with this easy orange chicken as much as mine has! Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken with Homemade Sauce
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Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs (or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp. cornstarch (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil (for sauce)
- 3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tbsp. grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- Chili flakes (optional for heat)
Directions
- Begin by cutting the chicken into small cubes, about half an inch each. Toss them into a bowl, mixing them with flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger until all pieces are evenly covered.
- Heat up a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high flame. Fry the chicken cubes until they become golden and crisp, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture into a hot, non-stick pan and let it simmer on low, allowing the sauce to thicken to your liking.
- Once the chicken is perfectly fried, introduce it to the sauce, stirring gently until every piece is lovingly coated. Let it simmer in the sauce for another couple of minutes, then take it off the heat.
- Your delicious orange chicken is ready to serve! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or homemade lo mein noodles. For a little flair, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
Store the orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to revive the sauce. This ensures the delicious flavors are maintained.
Cooking Tips
For extra crispy chicken, consider double frying or cooking in small batches. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash of water or orange juice can adjust it. To save time, prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate until needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this orange chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or freshly prepared lo mein noodles for a hearty meal. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, or even a side of steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh orange juice, use store-bought but reduce the sugar in the sauce. Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Seasonal Variations
Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini in summer or bell peppers in fall to the dish for variety and added nutrients. During winter, a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing burst of flavor and color.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains soy from the soy sauce and gluten from the flour. Use gluten-free alternatives to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diners. Consider coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative for those with soy allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe with chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If cornstarch isn’t available, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. Both are excellent thickening agents and will give you a similar creamy consistency in the sauce.
Is it necessary to use fresh orange juice?
While fresh orange juice gives the dish an unbeatable zest, store-bought orange juice is a convenient alternative. Just keep an eye on the sugar content, as store-bought varieties can be sweeter, altering the flavor balance.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level of this dish is quite mild, with the optional chili flakes adding just a hint of heat. Adjust the chili to your preference or omit it altogether if you’re not a fan of spicy food.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using, and reheat it on low heat if it has thickened too much. This will save time during busy evenings.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best method is to reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat. This prevents the chicken from drying out and helps maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Add a touch of water or orange juice if needed to loosen the sauce.
Easy Orange Chicken & Homemade Sauce
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch for sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- chili flakes optional for heat
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl. Add the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ground ginger. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high temperature. Fry the chicken pieces until they turn a golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can get tough.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Pour the mixture into a hot non-stick skillet and simmer on low heat until the sauce becomes thick.
- Once the chicken is done frying, transfer it into the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
- For a delicious pairing, serve your orange chicken over homemade Lo Mein noodles or fluffy white rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like.
