Easy Orange Chicken – Better Than Takeout in 35 Minutes

Byloubna

Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and savory homemade version of the takeout favorite. Lightly crispy chicken is coated in a glossy orange sauce made with real citrus flavor—quick, comforting, and family-friendly.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutesServings: 4Course: Main DishCuisine: Asian-InspiredMethod: Stovetop

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • For the Orange Sauce
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
  • ⅓ cup sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water

Method
 

  1. Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until lightly coated.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the orange sauce.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

Easy Orange Chicken is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate a takeout favorite at home that’s fresher, more flavorful, and just as satisfying. The balance of sweet citrus, savory depth, and tender chicken makes this dish one that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

What makes this recipe especially valuable is its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, or cooking method to fit your lifestyle, yet it always delivers consistent, crave-worthy results. It’s reliable enough for busy weeknights and comforting enough to feel like a treat.

This is the kind of recipe you keep in your rotation because it works. When you want something familiar, cozy, and full of flavor without ordering out, Easy Orange Chicken is the answer—bright, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.