Go Back
For our easy orange chicken, you need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - Salt and pepper to taste Start with the chicken thighs. They are juicy and tender. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Season them with salt and pepper. Toss the chicken in cornstarch. This gives a crispy texture when frying. Next, let’s gather the sauce ingredients. You will need: - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor) - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced This sauce brings bright flavors. Fresh orange juice makes it vibrant. The honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Garlic and ginger add warmth and spice. Finally, for garnishing, grab: - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 2 green onions, thinly sliced These toppings add crunch and color. Sesame seeds give a nutty flavor. Green onions add freshness and a pop of green. Together, they make your dish look and taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a medium bowl and season it with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start. Then, toss the chicken pieces in half a cup of cornstarch. Make sure they are all coated. This step gives the chicken a crispy texture when fried, which is key for a great dish. Now, let’s make the orange sauce. In a small bowl, combine half a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice with the zest of one orange. The zest adds a bright flavor. Add a quarter cup of honey to this mix, which gives a sweet touch. Next, include two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and one tablespoon of rice vinegar. This balance of sweet and savory is important. Finally, add two cloves of minced garlic and one teaspoon of minced ginger. Whisk everything together until well combined. This sauce brings all the flavors together. Heat a quarter cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Fry them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about five to seven minutes. If your skillet is small, cook in batches. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil. Next, pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about two to three minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss it well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Cook for an additional two minutes to heat through. Remove from heat, and you’re ready to serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh look. Enjoy your easy orange chicken with honey! To get that perfect crunch, start with cornstarch. Dust the chicken pieces well. This coating helps lock in moisture. When frying, use hot oil. Heat the oil to medium-high. If it’s too cold, the chicken will steam. Fry in batches to avoid crowding. Each piece needs space to crisp up. Drain the chicken on paper towels. This removes excess oil and keeps it crunchy. Balance is key in this dish. Use fresh orange juice for bright flavor. The zest adds depth, so don’t skip it. Honey brings sweetness, but adjust to taste. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar. Soy sauce adds saltiness. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. Adjust flavors to your liking. A little garlic and ginger can elevate the taste, too. Serve your orange chicken over rice. Jasmine rice works great for this. You can drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. This adds a nice crunch and color. For a complete meal, include stir-fried vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add nutrition and vibrancy. Enjoy this dish with family or friends for a delightful meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will elevate the flavor of your dish. Avoid bottled juices for the best taste. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey to suit your taste. Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This ensures a crispy coating and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions. They add a nice crunch and fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter. Instead of chicken thighs, use chicken breasts. They are leaner and still tasty. For frying, try using an air fryer. It cooks the chicken with less oil. You can also swap honey for agave syrup. It gives a similar sweetness with fewer calories. Want to mix things up? Try adding different juices. Pineapple juice gives a tropical twist. Lemon juice adds a nice zing. You can also switch soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or fresh cilantro for a fresh taste. You can cook this dish in several ways. Besides frying, try baking the chicken at 400°F for a healthier option. Just coat the chicken in cornstarch and bake for about 20 minutes. Another method is to grill the chicken. It adds a smoky flavor and keeps it juicy. Each method changes the taste and texture, so feel free to experiment! You can store leftover orange chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, make sure to check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks good, it should taste just as great! Freezing is a great option for longer storage. You can freeze the orange chicken for up to three months. Let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been frozen. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use the microwave, but stovetop is best for keeping the chicken crispy. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Then, add the chicken and cook until heated through. Stir often to avoid burning. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts, checking often to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your delicious orange chicken again! Yes, you can use orange juice from concentrate. It saves time and effort. However, freshly squeezed orange juice gives a brighter taste. If you choose concentrate, make sure to mix it well. This way, you will still enjoy a tasty orange chicken. To add spice, you can mix in red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste it. You can also add some sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. These will bring nice heat and flavor to your orange chicken. Just remember to balance the spice with sweetness. Orange chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Fluffy white rice - Steamed jasmine rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Fried rice - Noodles These sides will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of orange chicken. Choose your favorites for a complete meal! This blog post covered how to make orange chicken with tasty ingredients and easy steps. You learned about the right chicken and seasonings, how to make the sauce, and what garnishes to use. I shared tips for crispiness and flavor balance, along with serving ideas. Don't forget the variations and storage tips! Now, enjoy making this dish your own, and have fun experimenting. With a little practice, you'll impress everyone with your orange chicken skills.

Easy Orange Chicken with Honey

A quick and delicious orange chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • 1 zest orange
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. This will give them a nice crispy texture when fried.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary. Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger.
  • Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss well to coat the chicken pieces with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the orange chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice, drizzled with additional sauce, and garnished with extra orange zest for a bright look. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for color and nutrition.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey, orange chicken