If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and has that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice, then you are going to love this Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe. It’s a vibrant take on a classic that brings crispy, golden chicken coated in a luscious, sticky orange glaze right to your dinner table. The harmony of fresh orange juice, honey, and savory soy sauce melds together to create a sauce so irresistible you’ll want to savor every last bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to feel like a celebration of bright, bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward and essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect texture, balance, and flavor in this orange chicken dish.
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: The lean protein base that crisps up beautifully when coated and cooked.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates that signature crispy coating that holds the sticky sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to a golden crunch with minimal fuss.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Brings fresh citrus brightness and natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds depth to the sweetness and helps thicken the glaze deliciously.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The umami kick that balances out the citrus and brings richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Offers a gentle spicy zest that complements the orange flavor perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds mild acidity to elevate and brighten the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love just a touch of heat to enliven the dish.
- Cooked rice for serving: The perfect neutral base to soak up every drop of the sticky sauce.
- Green onions for garnish: Adds fresh crunch and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by coating each bite-sized piece of chicken in cornstarch. This step is crucial to getting that perfect crispy texture when you cook the chicken. Make sure every piece is evenly coated and set them aside while you heat your pan.
Step 2: Crisp the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. This creates a wonderful contrast to the sticky sauce that will coat them later.
Step 3: Mix the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mixture is your magic sauce that brings fantastic layers of flavor with each spoonful.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is beautifully crispy, pour the orange sauce over it in the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece is glazed evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken until the chicken gleams with that perfect sticky coating that invites a second helping.
Step 5: Serve Up the Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe
Serve the sticky orange chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. This final touch adds freshness and a delightful crunch to the dish. You’re now ready to dig into this bowl of vibrant flavor and texture.
How to Serve Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic choice, offering a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of color that perfectly complements the glossy sauce. You can also add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thin orange zest strips for an extra citrus boost.
Side Dishes
The best sides to round out this meal are simple and light to highlight the star of the plate. Fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully, while steamed broccoli or snap peas add a healthy, crisp contrast. For something heartier, a side of fried rice or vegetable stir-fry pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a handheld treat with extra freshness. Another idea is to layer the chicken in a bowl with rice and garnish it with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs for a modern, vibrant bowl meal. These creative touches make the dish feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your leftover chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further overnight, so you might want to stir in a splash of water or orange juice when reheating to restore its luscious consistency.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe, transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible and combine them when ready to heat.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of water or extra orange juice while reheating will revive the sauce’s stickiness and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is quicker but can affect crispness and sauce texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a couple of minutes longer to become crispy and cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets. Use firm tofu pressed to remove excess moisture or lightly roast cauliflower beforehand for the best texture. The sauce works beautifully with these options, too.
How spicy is this orange chicken?
The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes for an optional gentle heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the flakes. For more spice, feel free to add more or include a splash of hot sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Certainly! The sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just give it a good stir before pouring it over the cooked chicken to ensure the honey hasn’t settled.
What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine rice is a popular choice because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but basmati or even steamed white or brown rice all work well. The key is having a neutral base that can soak up the delicious sticky sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly lifts your mood and satisfies all those cravings for something sweet, savory, and utterly comforting. It’s easy enough to become a weekday favorite but special enough to wow any crowd. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do eating it—this is truly a keeper that will brighten up your dinner rotation and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Delicious Orange Chicken with a Sticky Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Delicious Orange Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast pieces coated in cornstarch, pan-fried to a golden crisp, and coated with a sticky, tangy orange sauce. Infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, this dish is bursting with vibrant flavors and perfect served over steamed rice with a garnish of fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, thoroughly coat the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch to ensure a crispy exterior once cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl, mixing well.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Pour the prepared orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, then cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the sticky orange chicken over a bed of cooked rice and garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat—adjust to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side of sautéed greens.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor; bottled orange juice can be used but may alter the taste slightly.
