stir fry orange chicken recipe

The Best stir fry orange chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share this stir-fry orange chicken recipe with you all! This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of tangy orange sauce, crunchy vegetables, and juicy chicken is absolute perfection. My family loves it when I serve this recipe for dinner, and it’s also a great option for a quick weeknight meal.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique involved – the key to a great stir-fry is in the wok or large skillet, where you can quickly cook the ingredients over high heat without steaming them. This method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. As an added bonus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simply marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice, then cook it in a wok or large skillet with some oil and sliced vegetables.

The sauce is made by whisking together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch, then cooking it until it thickens. It’s a game-changer! One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over rice or noodles, or even add some protein like tofu or shrimp to make it more substantial.

I like to serve it with steamed broccoli on the side for a well-rounded meal. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Chinese cooks, but I’ve adapted it to suit my own tastes and dietary needs. The result is a dish that’s both authentic and accessible – perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at stir-frying! So why do I love this stir-fry orange chicken recipe so much?

For one thing, it’s incredibly easy to make – just marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and orange juice, then cook it in a wok or large skillet with some oil and sliced vegetables. But beyond that, I think what really sets this recipe apart is its combination of flavors – tangy orange sauce pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetables and juicy chicken. If you’re new to stir-frying, don’t be intimidated by the wok or large skillet – just remember that the key is to cook quickly over high heat without steaming your ingredients. It’s not as hard as you might think!

Stir Fry Orange Chicken

4.6 from 1145 votes

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Orange Sauce

1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Stir Fry

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snow peas
2 green onions, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and white pepper.
2Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth.
4Set the sauce aside.
5Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering.
6Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
7Stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
8Transfer the chicken to a plate.
9Reduce the heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok.
10Add sliced red bell pepper and snow peas, and stir fry for 2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and bright in color.
11Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
12Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
13Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
14The sauce should bubble and become glossy.
15Remove from heat.
16Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice.
17The chicken should be tender and the sauce sticky and bright orange.

🔧Equipment

Large wok or skillet
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken with cornstarch. Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.

Watch Video Of How Stir Fry Orange Chicken Works

One of my favorite things about this stir-fry orange chicken recipe is how well it stores – whether you’re planning ahead for dinner or need a quick lunch solution. If you have leftovers after making this recipe (which is unlikely!)

, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple – just cook the mixture over low heat until warmed through.

And if you want to get fancy, try serving it over rice or noodles with some steamed broccoli on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stir Fry Orange Chicken

Q: What type of protein works best in this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe – both work well! Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I substitute the orange marmalade with something else?

A: While traditional Chinese cuisine often uses dried tangerine peel or other citrus fruits for flavoring, you can definitely substitute the orange marmalade if you prefer.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe more substantial?

A: Absolutely! You can add some extra protein like tofu or shrimp to make this dish more filling.

Q: Can I use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store?

A: While pre-cut vegetables are convenient, they may not provide the same texture as fresh vegetables – so feel free to chop your own if possible!

Q: How do I store leftover stir-fry orange chicken?

A: You can store leftover stir-fry orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days – just reheat it when you’re ready!

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