orange chicken stir fry recipe

orange chicken stir fry recipe

The Best orange chicken stir fry recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – orange chicken stir fry. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason.

It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit any taste. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made this recipe for my kids’ birthday parties, family gatherings, and even just a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those chaotic weeknights when you need something fast but still delicious.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, from slicing the veggies to stirring the sauce – it’s a fun activity that we all enjoy together. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is.

Whether we’re in the mood for something light and healthy or rich and indulgent, orange chicken stir fry always hits the spot. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone eating their veggies without them even realizing it!

I’ve experimented with various combinations of vegetables over the years – broccoli, bell peppers, carrots – but my go-to is always a mix of snow peas and mushrooms. There’s something about the sweetness of the snow peas that balances out the earthiness of the mushrooms that just works magic in this dish.

Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Orange Chicken Stir Fry

4.9 from 993 votes

This orange chicken stir fry combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce, all tossed with colorful vegetables. It is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that rivals takeout.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce

1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp grated orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Stir Fry

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
3 green onions, sliced

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes with soy sauce and rice vinegar.
2Let marinate for 10 minutes.
3In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, and beaten eggs until smooth.
4Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350Β°F).
5Working in batches, dip each chicken piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
6Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger.
Set aside.
8Carefully pour out the frying oil from the skillet and wipe it clean.
9Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
10Add the bell pepper and snap peas, and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
11Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
12Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
13Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
14Add the fried chicken pieces and green onions to the skillet.
15Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
16Cook for another minute until heated through.
17Serve immediately over steamed rice.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 3g❀️Cholesterol: 120mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 14gπŸ₯©Protein: 28g

πŸ“Notes

For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 400Β°F for 15 minutes instead of frying. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.

Watch Video Of How Orange Chicken Stir Fry Works

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize for different tastes – want more spice? Add some red pepper flakes!

Prefer less sugar? Reduce or omit the marmalade altogether!

And because this recipe reheats beautifully you can actually prepare it ahead of time – perfect for large gatherings where everyone wants seconds (and thirds!) Don’t forget to save leftovers for later – they reheat nicely in a microwave-safe container.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Chicken Stir Fry

1. What is orange chicken stir fry?

Orange chicken stir fry is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that originated in the United States. It typically consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce with a variety of vegetables.

2. What ingredients do I need to make orange chicken stir fry?

You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, orange marmalade or juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, snow peas, mushrooms, bell peppers (optional), broccoli (optional), carrots (optional), and your choice of protein (chicken or tofu).

3. How do I make orange chicken stir fry?

First, cook your protein of choice according to your preference (grilling or sautΓ©ing). Then heat some olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chopped veggies and cook until they’re tender-crisp. In a separate bowl whisk together soy sauce, orange marmalade or juice (start with 1/2 cup), garlic powder and onion powder (to taste). Pour this mixture into your skillet or wok with your cooked protein and veggies; stir constantly until everything is well coated.

4. Can I make orange chicken stir fry ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare all your ingredients beforehand – chop your veggies while they’re still fresh – then assemble the dish just before serving.

5. Is there an easier way to cook this recipe?

Totally! If you’re short on time or energy consider using pre-cut frozen vegetables like bagged broccoli florets.

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