Description
Crispy chicken bites coated in a luscious sticky orange sauce that balances sweetness, citrus tang, and a hint of savory depth. Easy to make at home without deep frying, this flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
-
½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
-
Vegetable oil for frying or sautéing
-
1 cup fresh orange juice
-
Zest of 1 orange
-
3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp minced fresh ginger (optional)
-
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
-
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
-
¼ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
-
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
-
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
-
Toss with cornstarch or flour until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
-
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
-
Fry or sauté chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
-
In the same pan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger (if using), brown sugar, and vinegar.
-
Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
-
Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Toss to coat evenly in the sticky orange sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
-
Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
-
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra crispiness, double coat chicken in flour/cornstarch before cooking.
Adjust sweetness and tang by varying sugar and vinegar amounts to taste.
To thicken sauce more, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and stir into simmering sauce.
Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for nutrition and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main dish, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing/Frying, Sauce simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Chinese-American