Easy Orange Chicken
Make homemade orange chicken with fresh citrus, less oil, and lower sugar. Easy 45-minute dinner recipe that's crispy, healthy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp better during baking.
- 3
Whisk together the flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl, then set aside.
- 4
Beat the eggs in another shallow bowl until well combined.
- 5
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- 6
Drizzle 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken pieces and toss gently to coat evenly.
- 7
Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, until the coating turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- 8
While the chicken bakes, heat the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- 9
Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and light golden.
- 10
Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 11
Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a slurry, then pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
- 12
Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
- 13
Stir in the sesame oil and vegetable broth, adjusting the consistency and taste as needed.
- 14
Transfer the baked chicken pieces from the oven to the saucepan, folding them gently into the sauce until evenly coated.
- 15
Simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
- 16
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or with roasted vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour coating | Half all-purpose flour, half cornstarch | Cornstarch creates extra crispiness without added gluten and requires less oil absorption |
| Honey or maple syrup | Monk fruit sweetener or allulose | These sweeteners provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels or adding refined carbohydrates |
| Regular soy sauce | Tamari or low-sodium soy sauce | Reduces sodium content significantly while tamari is often gluten-free, supporting digestive health |
| Baking method with olive oil | Air fryer at 380°F for 12-15 minutes | Air frying uses minimal oil while achieving maximum crispiness comparable to deep-frying |
| Vegetable broth | Bone broth | Bone broth contains collagen and amino acids that support gut lining health and improve digestion |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 435 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Protein | 43g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
