Orange Chicken Recipe – How To Cook It On The Stove In 30 Minutes

Orange chicken is a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds with its sweet and savory flavors. While it may seem intimidating to prepare at home, this guide will empower you with the step-by-step instructions you need to cook mouthwatering orange chicken on your stovetop.

Ingredients: Gathering the Essentials

To embark on this culinary adventure, you will require the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation: Setting the Stage

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.

Cooking: Bringing the Flavors to Life

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened.
4. Create the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
5. Combine and Simmer: Add the orange sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Return the Chicken: Add the browned chicken pieces back to the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce.
7. Cook Through: Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving: The Grand Finale

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Variations: Exploring Culinary Creativity

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a touch of heat by including a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Enhance the sweetness by adding a tablespoon of honey garlic sauce to the mix.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the cooked chicken before serving.

Tips: Mastering the Art

• Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, squeeze fresh orange juice rather than using store-bought juice.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until just cooked through.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

Troubleshooting: Resolving Potential Hiccups

• Chicken Not Browning: If the chicken is not browning, increase the heat slightly.
• Sauce Too Salty: If the sauce is too salty, add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
• Chicken Not Cooking Through: If the chicken is not cooking through, extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

Takeaways: A Culinary Triumph

Cooking orange chicken on the stove is a culinary endeavor that yields a delectable and satisfying dish. By following these step-by-step instructions and incorporating these tips and variations, you can replicate the flavors of your favorite restaurant-style orange chicken in the comfort of your own home.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the orange chicken up to 3 days in advance. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Q: Can I make the orange sauce without sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar in the sauce.

Q: How can I make the dish vegetarian?
A: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.