This skillet orange chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It is packed with flavors of orange, soy, ginger, and garlic, providing a perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Cooked in a skillet, the chicken absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a meal that is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe can be found in your pantry. One ingredient that may not be commonly found is orange marmalade. It is a fruit preserve made from oranges and sugar. You can find this in the jam and jelly aisle at the supermarket. Also, cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sauce and can be found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients for Skillet Orange Chicken
Chicken breasts: This is the main protein in this dish. It absorbs the orange sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch: A thickening agent used to give the sauce a rich and thick consistency.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
Canola oil: Used to cook the chicken.
Orange marmalade: Gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor.
Orange juice: Adds a citrusy freshness to the dish.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
White Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the dish with its acidity.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, earthy flavor.
Ginger: Gives the dish a warm and spicy flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
One reader, Isis Varner says:
This skillet orange chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the chicken turns out tender and juicy. The sauce is the real star - it's sweet, tangy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it's so easy to make! I highly recommend trying it out.
Techniques Required for Making Skillet Orange Chicken
How to coat the chicken: In a large bowl, place the chicken pieces and add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
How to make the orange chicken sauce: Whisk together the orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until well combined.
How to cook the chicken: Heat a large pan over high heat and add canola oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken to the pan and cook over high heat, turning once, for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
How to thicken the sauce: Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the prepared orange chicken sauce. Cook and stir until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 10 minutes.
How to serve: Serve the orange chicken over rice as desired.
How To Make Skillet Orange Chicken
Skip the takeout and try this easy to make skillet orange chicken that comes with an addicting crisp, and sweet and tangy sauce, in just 30 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2chicken breasts,boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3tbspcornstarch
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 2tbspcanola oil,or vegetable oil
For Orange Chicken Sauce:
- ½cuporange marmalade
- ½cuporange juice,unsweetened
- ⅓cupsoy sauce
- 1tbspwhite vinegar
- 1tspgarlic,minced
- 1tspginger,minced
- 1pinchred pepper flakes
- ⅓cupchicken broth,low sodium
- 2tbspcornstarch
Instructions
-
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and add 3 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
-
Heat a large pan over high heat and add oil. You can add more oil if needed to coat the bottom of your pan.
-
Add chicken to the pan and cook over high heat, turning once for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
-
To make the orange chicken sauce, whisk together the marmalade, juice, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
-
Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the sauce. Cook and stir until sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked through in a minimum of 165 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
-
Serve over rice as desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 383.04kcal
- Fat: 15.49g
- Saturated Fat: 2.92g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.79g
- Carbohydrates: 41.07g
- Fiber: 0.68g
- Sugar: 27.03g
- Protein: 20.81g
- Cholesterol: 56.28mg
- Sodium: 1274.59mg
- Calcium: 38.37mg
- Potassium: 389.53mg
- Iron: 1.20mg
- Vitamin A: 25.59µg
- Vitamin C: 17.71mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe
To ensure your orange chicken is tender and juicy, avoid overcooking the chicken breasts. Overcooking can make the chicken tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Once it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it's done. Also, when making the sauce, whisk it continuously to prevent it from burning and to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. This will give your sauce a smooth and glossy finish, perfect for coating the chicken.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Skillet Orange Chicken
Prep ahead: Prepare the orange chicken sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to cook the dish.
Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut chicken pieces to save time on cutting and preparing the chicken breasts.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all the ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the cooking process.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, use that time to prepare the rice or any side dishes to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a similar texture and protein content.
Cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, providing similar thickening properties.
Canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point for cooking.
Orange marmalade - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves can be used as a substitute for orange marmalade, providing a similar sweet and fruity flavor.
Orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice can be used as a substitute for orange juice, providing a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor profile.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari can be used as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce, providing a similar umami-rich flavor.
White vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient and long-lasting alternative.
Ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a concentrated flavor and easy incorporation into the dish.
Red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes, providing a similar level of heat and spice.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a flavorful base for the sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Skillet Orange Chicken
Elevate the plating: When presenting the skillet orange chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with finely chopped chives or cilantro. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of flavor.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crispy element to the dish, such as sesame seeds or toasted almonds, to provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and velvety sauce.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the focal point of the dish, highlighting its exquisite flavors.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a small spoon to delicately drizzle a swirl of the orange chicken sauce around the plate, adding an artistic touch and showcasing the attention to detail in the presentation.
Balance the components: Arrange the chicken pieces neatly on the plate and ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed, creating a harmonious balance between the protein and the flavorful sauce.
Consider the plate shape: Opt for a round or oval plate to complement the circular motion of the sauce swirl, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dish.
Add a citrus zest: Finish the presentation by grating a hint of fresh orange zest over the dish, infusing it with a burst of citrus aroma and a visually stunning touch.
Essential Tools for Making Skillet Orange Chicken
- Large skillet: A large, flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for gripping and lifting food.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
- Large bowl: A container used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Cooking thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of food to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Zester or grater: A tool used to grate the zest of citrus fruits or to finely grate ingredients.
- Meat mallet: A tool used to tenderize and flatten meat.
- Rice cooker: A kitchen appliance used to cook rice.
Storing and Freezing Skillet Orange Chicken
- Let the skillet orange chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the orange chicken:
- Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- To reheat from frozen:
- Thaw the orange chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed chicken and sauce to a skillet or saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Add a little water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed chicken in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- If you want to freeze individual portions for quick meals:
- Divide the cooled skillet orange chicken into single-serving portions.
- Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Freeze the portions and reheat as needed, following the instructions above.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Orange Chicken
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat: place the leftover orange chicken in a skillet and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten the sauce. cover the skillet and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. this method helps to preserve the texture of the crispy chicken pieces while also reviving the flavors of the orange sauce.
Microwave reheating: transfer the leftover orange chicken to a microwave-safe dish and add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to help prevent the sauce from drying out. cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is steaming. be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become tough and rubbery.
Oven reheating: preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). place the leftover orange chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to help crisp up the chicken pieces. this method is ideal if you have a larger quantity of leftovers or if you prefer a more evenly heated dish.
Stir-fry with fresh vegetables: to add a fresh twist to your leftover orange chicken, stir-fry it with some fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the vegetables, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. add the leftover orange chicken and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined. this method not only reheats your leftovers but also adds a nutritional boost and a new flavor profile to the dish.
Interesting Fact About Skillet Orange Chicken
The skillet orange chicken recipe is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine. It is believed to have originated in Hunan, a province in south-central China. The dish is known for its combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the orange marmalade providing a tangy and citrusy taste to the chicken. It's a great example of how traditional Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients have been adapted to suit Western tastes, resulting in a delicious and unique fusion dish.
Is Making Skillet Orange Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This skillet orange chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, cornstarch, and orange marmalade, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Skillet Orange Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
The skillet orange chicken recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses cornstarch for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce, which adds extra carbohydrates and calories.
- Canola oil is used for frying, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids and may contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.
- The orange marmalade and juice add a significant amount of sugar to the dish.
- Soy sauce is high in sodium, which can lead to increased blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in large quantities.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as chicken breast (a lean protein source), garlic, and ginger, which offer various health benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the cornstarch coating with a lighter alternative, such as almond flour or whole wheat flour, to reduce the carbohydrate content.
- Use a healthier cooking oil, like avocado oil or coconut oil, which are more stable at high temperatures and have a better fatty acid profile.
- Reduce the amount of orange marmalade and juice to decrease the sugar content, and instead, add more fresh orange zest for flavor.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos to reduce the sodium content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli, to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve the orange chicken with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Editor's Opinion on This Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe
The skillet orange chicken recipe is a delightful combination of tangy and savory flavors. The use of orange marmalade and juice in the sauce adds a refreshing citrusy note, while the soy sauce and ginger provide depth and umami. The cooking method ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, and the sauce thickens beautifully to coat the chicken. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the vibrant orange color adds to its visual appeal. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will surely delight your taste buds.
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Why trust this Skillet Orange Chicken Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken breasts and the zesty orange marmalade creates a mouthwatering experience. The use of orange juice and soy sauce adds depth and richness to the dish, while the garlic and ginger infuse it with aromatic flavors. The addition of red pepper flakes provides a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness of the marmalade. The incorporation of cornstarch ensures a perfectly thickened and glossy sauce, making this recipe a trustworthy and delightful choice for any home cook.
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