Orange Ginger Chicken Recipe

There’s something magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into a dish that not only fills your kitchen with a citrusy, savory aroma but also wraps you in a comforting embrace with each bite. Today, I’m guiding you through my go-to Orange Ginger Chicken recipe—it’s a zesty adventure that brings vibrant flavors to your plate and impresses even the toughest critics at your dinner table. 🍊🍗✨

Experience an amazing blend of flavors with my Orange Ginger Chicken, using juicy, tender chicken thighs, that are cooked to perfection. Orange juice blends wonderfully with soy sauce; honey adds even more sweetness.

Fresh ginger and minced garlic intensify the flavor and aroma. A hint of sesame oil ties the dish together.

I love to finish it with lots of scallions and some sesame seeds—for that crunch factor. This recipe is thoroughly balanced and offers a punchy dish with lots of protein.

It is flavored so well, you would never guess it is as healthy as it is.

Ingredients

• Chicken: High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair.
• Orange Juice: Rich in vitamin C, adds a tangy sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, provides a hint of caramel flavor.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties, adds a warm, spicy note.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity, gives a pungent, aromatic base.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make this

1. The chicken pieces should be seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, the vegetable oil should be heated over medium-high heat. The chicken should be added to the skillet and cooked, not allowing any side to remain unbrowned for too long, it’s nice and brown all over; and certainly, it must not be left in the skillet for too long. That’s the danger of overcooking it; we don’t want that. So, about 6-8 minutes of total cooking ensure that the chicken is nicely browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, toss in the ginger and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant.

3. In a tiny bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Whisk them together.

4. Add the orange juice blend to the skillet along with the ginger and garlic. Mix thoroughly to combine.

5. In another small bowl, combine the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.

6. Put the cooked chicken back in the skillet. Toss it in the sauce. Make sure it gets well-coated. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Let those flavors meld.

7. Mix in the sesame oil and, if you like, the red pepper flakes to give it some extra heat.

8. Adjust seasonings as needed with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust.
1. Ensure that you have adjusted seasonings before serving.
2. Do not under-season; this can lead to bland food.
3. It is better to over-season and then adjust down.
4. Taste as you go.
5. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

9. Take it off the heat and finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

10. Serve piping hot over a bed of rice or noodles and savor the delectable delight that is your Orange Ginger Chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Small bowl (for combining liquid ingredients)
3. Tiny bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
4. Whisk
5. Tongs or spoon (for turning chicken pieces)
6. Knife (for slicing chicken and green onions, mincing garlic)
7. Cutting board
8. Grater (for grating ginger and zesting orange)
9. Measuring spoons and cups
10. Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring sauce)

FAQ

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into even-sized, bite-sized pieces so they cook through evenly.
• What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?Store-bought orange juice is fine, but using fresh orange juice will give the dish a much brighter flavor.
• Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?In the absence of rice vinegar, you can use other types of vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Their flavors may slightly differ from that of rice vinegar, which is quite a mild vinegar in flavor.
• How can I adjust the spiciness?Red pepper flakes lend a touch of heat. You can tweak how much you use to match your taste or leave them out completely for a dish that is less spicy.
• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Absolutely, the sauce can be made ahead of time, and you’re welcome to give the chicken a good soak in it for maximum marination effect. Finish the dish right before you serve it to achieve peak flavor and texture.
• How do I thicken the sauce?Cornstarch acts as a thickener, and it is absolutely necessary to mix it very well with the other liquid ingredients before it gets added to the pan.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?The chicken can be replaced with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use firm tofu or tempeh, and adjust cooking times as necessary.

Orange Ginger Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Firm tofu makes a great vegetarian substitute for chicken thighs or breasts.
Replace vegetable oil with olive oil. This will add flavor to whatever dish you are preparing.
Tamari or coconut aminos serve as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you want to have a different way to sweeten things up.
Rice vinegar: Substitute in its place apple cider vinegar, which has a similar level of tang.

Pro Tips

1. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in orange juice and soy sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help infuse the chicken with a more robust citrus and umami taste.

2. Ensure your orange juice is fresh by squeezing it just before use. Fresh juice provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to store-bought options.

3. Use a microplane to zest the orange. This will give you finer zest, which better integrates into the sauce for a more consistent orange flavor throughout the dish.

4. Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before garnishing. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

5. If time allows, after combining the sauce ingredients and before adding them to the skillet, let them simmer gently in a small saucepan for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld more thoroughly before they coat the chicken.