Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

A homemade orange chicken recipe that is simple to make on weeknights with pantry staples that is healthier than take out and tastes amazing!

There are days when have time to indulge in a few hours in the kitchen recreating your favorite take out meals. Then there are days when you only have time for take out. What about the in between days, the days when you want take out but you want it to be healthier and you only have 30 minutes? That is when you make this homemade orange chicken recipe!

A simple yet flavorful orange chicken that can quickly be made right when you get home from work, sports practice, school or just anytime you feel in the mood for take out. It does not require deep frying, but it does have a bit a crispy texture without the hassle and uses healthier ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let's get cooking a take out meal at home!

Cozy Tips for Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Purchase pre cubed chicken breast to cut down on prep time.
• If you use fresh orange juice, taste a bit of it ahead of time to see if it is bitter and add an extra tablespoon or honey for extra sweetness.
• Use the remaining chicken broth to cook rice to pair with the orange chicken to prevent waste and add a bit more flavor.
• As an alternative you can cook the chicken in the air fryer for an extra crisp and make the sauce while it is cooking.
• Serve this with steamed or sauté stir fry veggie mix and rice.
• To take make an ordinary meal even more special grab a few take away boxes from Amazon or as to purchase some from your local take out place. Don't forget the chopsticks!

Ingredients for Homemade Orange Chicken

• 2lbs of Chicken Breast Cubed
• 1 Cup of Orange Juice
• ⅓ Cup of Coconut Aminios or Soy Sauce
• ½ Cup of Chicken Broth
• 1 Tablespoons of Honey
• ¼ Cup of Flour
• 2 Garlic Cloves Finely Chopped
• 1 Tablespoon of Orange Zest
• ½ Teaspoon of Ground Ginger
• 1 Teaspoon of Cornstarch
• 1 Teaspoon of Salt
• Pepper to Taste
• 1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds (optional)

Helpful Kitchen Tools

• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Large Bowl (have and love this one)
• Wooden Spoon

Can I Use Fresh Orange Juice?

You can use either fresh or from the store orange juice. However, if you do use fresh squeezed orange juice, depending on the bitterness of the juice you may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of honey for extra sweetness.

Can I Use Fresh Ginger?

Ground ginger is a quick and easy pantry staple, however fresh ginger is also great to use in this recipe. If you use ground ginger you can use about 1 teasonspoon worth of finely chopped or minced fresh ginger.

How Do I Make The Chicken Crispy?

Deep frying is the traditional orange chicken technique to achieve it's crispy texture. While this recipe does not necessarily make the chicken crispy, it does have a texture to it that resembles a bit of crisp. This is done intentionally out of ease and time limit we all experience during the weeknights. However, you can certainly use an air fryer or the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or so to achieve a crispy chicken. You will need lightly coat the chicken in the flour and salt then dipped into one beaten egg and finally into flour again before placing it into the air fryer or oven.

Can I Use Soy Sauce Instead of Coconut Aminos?

Soy sauce can be utilized in this recipe in replace of the coconut aminos. Coconut aminos have a slightly more sweet soy taste to them. Either one will work for orange chicken.

Serve With

Top this orange chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you have them on hand and serve with a simple white rice and steamed broccoli for a perfect take out at home meal.

The Cozy Details

Step 1: You will want to have your chicken cubed into bite size pieces and then placed into a bowl or a bag.

Step 2: In another large bowl, combine the orange juice, coconut aminos or soy sauce, ginger, garlic, orange zest, honey, and salt. Mix together and set aside.

Step 3: Stir together the chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Preheat a large skillet or pan over medium high heat and drizzle with olive oil for frying.

Step 5: While the pan is heating, add the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper to the bowl or bag of chicken. Toss to lightly coat.

Step 6: Place pieces of chicken in the hot skillet to cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. You will likely need to work in an about 2 or 3 batches. Setting the cooked chicken pieces aside on a plate.

Step 7: Once all of the chicken is cooked. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and place the orange juice mixture into the pan.

Step 8: Simmer the sauce mixture over medium heat for about 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Next, add in the chicken broth and cornstarch mix.

Step 9: Allow the sauce to thicken over medium low heat for another minute or two. Then pour the sauce over the chicken or place the chicken back into the pan.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve with white rice. Enjoy some take out at home!

More Simple Weeknight Dinners

• Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
• Pasta with Zucchini, Italian Sausage and Fresh Mozzarella
• Creamy Homemade Tomato Soup