Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes is a quick and delicious alternative to takeout that you can whip up at home. With its flavorful Panda Express-style orange chicken sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep. The best part? You don’t have to fry the chicken, making it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those on a tight schedule.
• Delicious Flavor: The homemade sauce bursts with fresh orange juice and spices, providing a vibrant taste that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Healthy Alternative: With no frying required, this version of orange chicken is lighter and contains less fat than traditional versions.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or as a filling for wraps—this dish adapts to your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavors of this easy orange chicken.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking simpler and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick skillet
• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick skillet: Ideal for cooking the sauce without sticking, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Deep frying pan: Provides enough space to cook the chicken evenly while achieving that golden-brown color.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 whole boneless chicken thighs or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. corn starch
• 1 tsp. black pepper or less to taste fresh ground
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. ginger powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. paprika to add color to the chicken
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 1½ tbsp. corn starch
• 2 tbsps. vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsps. brown sugar
• ½ tbsp. grated ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
• ½ tsp. black pepper fresh ground
• 1 tsp. orange zest
• Chili flakes optional to add heat

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into small ½ inch cubes then coat evenly with flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to overcook them.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, stir together the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour into a hot nonstick skillet set to low heat. Simmer the mixture until it thickens up nicely.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the sauce, stir to coat all pieces well, and cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the orange chicken with options like homemade Lo Mein noodles or white rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Enjoy your meal! This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes is sure to become a favorite in your household!

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is not just a quick meal; it’s also versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Homemade Lo Mein Noodles

• Enjoy the orange chicken over a bed of homemade Lo Mein noodles for a comforting meal that mirrors your favorite takeout.

Over Steamed Jasmine Rice

• Serve the chicken atop fluffy, steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.

Garnished with Toasted Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.

Accompanied by Chopped Green Onions

• Freshly chopped green onions add color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the entire dish.

Drizzled with Extra Sauce

• For those who love extra flavor, drizzle additional homemade orange sauce over the chicken before serving.

With a Side Salad

• A crisp side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, making it a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

To make sure your Easy Orange Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh orange juice and garlic will elevate the flavor of your sauce significantly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can cause them to steam rather than fry, affecting crispiness.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the brown sugar according to your taste preference for a sweeter or less sweet dish.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Adding chili flakes can spice things up if you like heat in your dishes.
• Choose quality chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs for better taste and quality.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Orange Chicken can create a delightful meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: This healthy side pairs well with orange chicken and adds vibrant color to your plate.
2. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice complements the flavors of orange chicken beautifully and fills you up.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of seasonal vegetables stir-fried quickly adds freshness and nutrients alongside the main dish.
4. Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy appetizers bring an enjoyable textural contrast when served with orange chicken.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a different but tasty pairing for this dish.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup works as a light starter that cleanses the palate before diving into the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for with this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes.

• Not cutting chicken evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform ½ inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and a satisfying texture.
• Skipping the marinade: Don’t skip marinating the chicken with seasonings. It infuses flavor and makes your dish more delicious.
• Overcrowding the pan: Avoid adding too many chicken pieces to the frying pan at once. This can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
• Using too much sauce: Be careful not to drown your chicken in sauce. A light coating is enough for flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Ignoring cooking time: Keep an eye on cooking times. Cooking the chicken just until golden brown preserves its juiciness and prevents dryness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the orange chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap before sealing.

Reheating Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently for about 5–7 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes?

This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cook time.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs with chicken breast or tenders based on your preference.

Is this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep and stores well in both refrigerator and freezer.

What can I serve with Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes?

Pair it with homemade Lo Mein noodles, white rice, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this Easy Orange Chicken without frying?

Yes! You can opt for baking or air frying as healthier alternatives that still produce delicious results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes is not only quick but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Try it today and enjoy a delightful homemade version of your favorite takeout!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Experience the delightful flavors of takeout at home with this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe in 20 Minutes. This quick dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, reminiscent of your favorite Panda Express meal, but healthier! Not only is it a breeze to prepare, but the absence of frying makes it lighter without sacrificing taste. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe promises to please both kids and adults alike. Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or tenderloins
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp black pepper or less to taste fresh ground
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ginger powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika to add color to the chicken
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• ½ tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
• ½ tsp black pepper fresh ground
• 1 tsp orange zest
• Chili flakes optional to add heat

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into ½ inch cubes and coat with flour, corn starch, and seasonings.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and fry chicken until golden brown (about 3 minutes).
3. In a bowl, mix sauce ingredients: orange juice, corn starch, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and black pepper. Pour into a hot nonstick skillet and simmer until thickened.
4. Add fried chicken to the sauce and stir to coat well for another minute.
5. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg