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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Sesame seeds For this Sticky Orange Chicken, I choose chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender. Fresh orange juice is key. It gives the dish a bright, zesty flavor. I always use freshly grated orange zest. It adds depth to the flavor. The sauce needs low sodium soy sauce. It balances the sweetness from honey. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to make it sticky. This gives a nice coat to the chicken. Aromatics boost the taste. Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice. Garlic brings a rich aroma. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick. For garnishing, I use green onions. They add color and crunch. Sesame seeds finish the dish. They give a nutty flavor and look great on top. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make this tasty dish! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 3 cloves of minced garlic in a bowl. - Whisk the mixture until the cornstarch dissolves completely. This step ensures a smooth sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly. - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken thighs. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces often. They should be golden brown and cooked through by the end. - Carefully pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. - Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. Stir the chicken occasionally. This lets the sauce thicken and become sticky, coating each piece of chicken well. - Once the sauce is thick, remove the skillet from the heat. - Garnish your Sticky Orange Chicken with 2 thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. - Serve it right away with fluffy rice or quinoa and some colorful steamed veggies for a complete meal. - Cut chicken into similarly sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. - Always use freshly squeezed orange juice. It gives the sauce a bright, fresh taste. - You can adjust the cooking time. Longer times make the sauce thicker. - Cook the sauce on medium heat. High heat can burn it and change the flavor. - Serve the Sticky Orange Chicken on rice or quinoa. This makes a full meal. - Bright, colorful vegetables add fun and nutrition. Try steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a pop of color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor in your sauce. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; start with a small amount and add more if desired. Thickening the Sauce: Ensure to stir the sauce occasionally as it simmers to prevent sticking and to achieve a smooth, sticky texture. Garnishing Tips: For added flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing with additional herbs like cilantro or parsley along with green onions and sesame seeds. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish easily. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer lean meat. Chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when marinated. You might also use shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks fast and absorbs flavors well. For a vegetarian version, consider tofu. Firm tofu soaks up the orange sauce and adds a great texture. Want to spice things up? You can add five-spice powder for a fragrant kick. This spice mix gives your dish a warm, complex taste. You can also play with citrus flavors. Try adding lime or lemon juice to the sauce. This will brighten the dish and add a fresh zing. Choosing the right sides makes your meal complete. Serve the Sticky Orange Chicken with steamed broccoli or bell peppers. These veggies add color and nutrients. You can also pair it with fried rice or lo mein noodles. Both options soak up the delicious sauce and enhance the meal’s flavor. To keep your leftover Sticky Orange Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing the container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. When it's time to eat your leftover Sticky Orange Chicken, reheating it right is key. I recommend using a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to warm it through. Avoid the microwave if you can. The microwave can make the chicken tough and chewy. A good stir-fry will keep the flavors rich and delicious. Enjoy your meal just as much as the first time! Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight. If you need a quicker method, use cold water. Submerge the chicken in a sealed bag and change the water every 30 minutes. Once thawed, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cook as directed in the recipe. This way, you still get that juicy flavor. If you need a honey substitute, try using maple syrup. It has a nice sweetness. You can also use agave nectar for a similar taste. For a sugar-free option, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Each option will still give your dish a lovely flavor. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat on the stove. Add a splash of orange juice to keep the sauce moist. This dish tastes just as good the next day! This recipe is not very spicy. The red pepper flakes are optional. If you want a kick, add them to the sauce. You can also adjust the amount based on your taste. For a milder version, skip the flakes altogether. Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors without any heat! This blog post covers a delicious Sticky Orange Chicken recipe. We explored key ingredients, instructions, tips, and variations to help you create a great dish. Remember to use fresh orange juice for the best taste and cook the chicken evenly. Feel free to swap proteins or add your favorite veggies. You can store leftovers properly and reheat them well. Enjoy this vibrant meal with rice or quinoa for a tasty finish!

Sticky Orange Chicken

A deliciously sticky and flavorful chicken dish with a vibrant orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest, freshly grated
  • 1 4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnishing
  • 1 to taste sesame seeds, for finishing touch

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, low sodium soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is well-blended.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium and carefully pour the prepared orange sauce mixture over the chicken. If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this point for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for approximately 5-7 minutes or until it thickens and becomes sticky. Ensure each piece of chicken is generously coated in the sauce.
  • Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Sticky Orange Chicken with the freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving.

Notes

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa, and add steamed vegetables for a colorful meal.
Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, orange, sticky