Orange Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Okay, let’s talk about my Orange Chicken Recipe! This one is a lifesaver, friends. I swear, there are nights when I think takeout is the only option. Then I remember this recipe, and everyone is happy. And it’s ready faster than waiting for delivery.

Let me tell you about the first time I tried to make Orange Chicken Recipe. Oh. My. Goodness. It was a disaster! Picture this: kids screaming, laundry overflowing, and me, desperately trying to recreate that sweet and tangy flavor we all love. The sauce was too thin, the chicken was soggy, and the whole thing ended up in the trash. Seriously.

I was so bummed. But, being the stubborn mama I am, I didn’t give up. I tweaked, I tested, and I finally cracked the code. I learned that patience is key (especially when letting the chicken crisp up!). I also found that a little cornstarch goes a long way in thickening that homemade orange chicken sauce up just right. The Orange Chicken Recipe is so easy!

This Orange Chicken Recipe fits perfectly into our crazy family life. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a guaranteed win with even the pickiest eaters. We can have a better than takeout chicken meal in under 30 minutes. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my other recipes!

Fellow kitchen warriors, I’m here to share all my mom-tested tips and tricks so you can conquer this Orange Chicken Recipe and bring some sanity back to your dinner table. Let’s do this!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Orange Chicken Recipe ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! And you know me, always looking for a mom hack. This meal takes just a few ingredients. If you’re looking for other quick meals, then you’ll enjoy my other recipes!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup homemade orange chicken sauce (recipe follows)

For the Homemade Orange Chicken Sauce:

• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

No worries if you don’t have rice vinegar – I use apple cider vinegar all the time in my Orange Chicken Recipe, and it works great! Just use what you have on hand. It’s always good to find ways to simplify this easy homemade orange chicken sauce!

You can grab soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch at Target while doing your regular grocery run. Score! The chicken you can get at your local butcher or grocery store. This easy homemade orange chicken sauce doesn’t have to break the bank.

This Orange Chicken Recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. Chicken thighs are usually cheaper than breasts. Plus, they stay nice and juicy. You can also buy the orange juice in bulk to save a little extra. Mom hack!

For ingredient prep shortcuts, I like to cut the chicken ahead of time. You can even marinate it in a little of the homemade orange chicken sauce for extra flavor. Mince the garlic and ginger in advance. This is a great sanity-saver! Consider doubling the homemade orange chicken sauce recipe for another time!

Leftover Orange Chicken Recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. You can thank me later, when you have a ready to eat snack!

My family loves when I add extra orange zest to the homemade orange chicken sauce. It gives it a really bright, fresh flavor. Also, if you like things spicy, add a little extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise, this Orange Chicken Recipe is easier than it looks. Take a deep breath, put on some music, and let’s do this together. This is an easier way to create an easy homemade orange chicken sauce.

1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help the chicken get nice and crispy!
2. Make the homemade orange chicken sauce: Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan. Set aside.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to work in batches) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Simmer the sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Pour the homemade orange chicken sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Combine and coat: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the homemade orange chicken sauce. Make sure every piece is covered in that deliciousness!
6. Serve immediately: Serve the Orange Chicken Recipe over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Orange Chicken Recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s a major win in my book!

While your homemade orange chicken sauce is simmering, it’s the perfect time to fold that laundry pile that’s been mocking you all day. Multi-tasking is a mom’s superpower, right? Or use it as an excuse to sit down for 5 minutes!

Your Orange Chicken Recipe should smell amazing by now – sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy. If it doesn’t, add a little more orange zest or red pepper flakes to taste.

Don’t panic if your homemade orange chicken sauce looks a little thin at first. It will thicken up as it simmers. Just keep stirring and be patient. It will get there!

Here’s where I used to mess up my Orange Chicken Recipe – I wouldn’t get the pan hot enough before adding the chicken. Make sure your oil is nice and hot before you add the chicken, or it will steam instead of crisping up. Don’t make my mistake! It’s easy to prevent a mistake with your easy homemade orange chicken sauce.

While your Orange Chicken Recipe is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee (or wine – no judgment here!). You deserve it, mama!

How We Love to Eat This!

My family DEVOURS this Orange Chicken Recipe when I serve it with steamed rice and broccoli. It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

Kid-approved side dishes include:

• Steamed broccoli: I know, I know, getting kids to eat veggies can be a challenge. But my kids actually like broccoli when it’s steamed and served with a little Orange Chicken Recipe sauce drizzled over it.
• White rice: A classic pairing! Rice is the perfect blank canvas for soaking up all that delicious homemade orange chicken sauce.
• Noodles: Sometimes I switch things up and serve this with lo mein noodles. The kids love it!

This Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time and energy. It’s also great for potlucks or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s better than takeout chicken!

For presentation tips that actually matter to families, I like to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the Orange Chicken Recipe before serving. It adds a little visual appeal and makes it look extra appetizing.

Leftover Orange Chicken Recipe is great for lunch the next day. I often pack it in the kids’ lunchboxes with a side of rice and some fruit. If you want another lunchtime meal, try this Orange Chicken Recipe alongside this pretzel-crusted chicken, they’re both a winner.

Seasonal variations? Sure! In the fall, I sometimes add a little cinnamon and nutmeg to the homemade orange chicken sauce for a cozy, autumnal twist. In the summer, I’ll add some fresh pineapple chunks to the dish for a tropical vibe. This easy homemade orange chicken sauce can work with many sides!

My guests are always impressed when I make this Orange Chicken Recipe. They can’t believe it’s homemade! I always get asked for the recipe, and I’m happy to share it. I found this recipe on Orange Chicken That’s Better Than Takeout | The Noshery.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this Orange Chicken Recipe. I’ve been there, I get it! Here are some answers to the questions I get asked most often.

Can my picky eater handle this Orange Chicken Recipe?

You know your child best, but my experience is that the sweetness of the homemade orange chicken sauce is often a hit with picky eaters. Start with a small portion and let them try it. You can also adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

What if I burn my Orange Chicken Recipe? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Okay, first of all, don’t beat yourself up! We’ve all been there. If you burn the chicken, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do. But if you burn the homemade orange chicken sauce, try transferring it to a clean saucepan and adding a little more orange juice to dilute the burnt flavor. Learn more about chinese food on this Reddit thread: Help me to understand the different styles of Chinese food, based on ….

Can I make this Orange Chicken Recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes, absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the homemade orange chicken sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and then combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can. But I find that chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If you use chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

Can I freeze this Orange Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze cooked Orange Chicken Recipe for up to 2-3 months. Store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave.

What other vegetables can I add to this Orange Chicken Recipe?

The possibilities are endless! Some of my favorite additions include bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and onions. Just add them to the skillet when you add the homemade orange chicken sauce.

My homemade orange chicken sauce is too thick/thin. Help!

If your homemade orange chicken sauce is too thick, add a little more orange juice until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. Also, be sure to use cornstarch for thickening, it works well!

Is this the same as General Tso chicken?

While they share some similarities, they are slightly different. General Tso chicken tends to be spicier and have a deeper, richer flavor, while this Orange Chicken Recipe is sweeter and more citrusy.

Is this similar to sesame chicken or sweet and sour chicken?

This recipe is more similar to sweet and sour chicken due to the sweet and tangy sauce. Sesame chicken typically has a more pronounced sesame flavor and a different sauce base. But who knows, maybe this Orange Chicken Recipe can compete! This Facebook post talks about their favourite takeout dishes, maybe you can draw inspiration: Which is your fav Asian takeout dish ? It would be Orange Chicken ….

Final Thoughts:

This Orange Chicken Recipe is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even on the busiest, most chaotic nights, we can still enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal together. It’s a simple dish, but it’s made with love, and that’s what truly matters.

My Orange Chicken Recipe Mom Hacks:

• Prep ahead: Cut the chicken and make the homemade orange chicken sauce in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
• Use shortcuts: Don’t be afraid to use pre-minced garlic and ginger to cut down on prep time.
• Double the batch: Make a double batch of the Orange Chicken Recipe and freeze half for another night.

Here are a few family-tested Orange Chicken Recipe variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken Recipe: Add more red pepper flakes to the homemade orange chicken sauce or serve with a side of sriracha. My husband loves this version!
• Honey Orange Chicken Recipe: Substitute honey for brown sugar in the homemade orange chicken sauce for a more natural sweetness. The kids love this!
• Lemon Orange Chicken Recipe: Use lemon juice instead of orange juice in the homemade orange chicken sauce for a brighter, tangier flavor. This is my personal favorite!

I encourage you to make this Orange Chicken Recipe your own. Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and experiment with different flavor combinations. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

I hope this Orange Chicken Recipe brings as much joy and sanity to your kitchen as it has to mine. Remember, you’ve got this, mama! You’re a kitchen warrior, and you’re capable of creating mealtime magic for your family.

Now go forth and conquer that Orange Chicken Recipe! You’ll be glad you did.

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