Easy Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that hits the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe is your new go-to. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy orange glaze, this dish makes weeknight dinners and meal prep feel exciting and fresh. The sauce’s zesty orange notes paired with subtle hints of soy and ginger create a delicious harmony that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it for family dinners or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepares in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavors: Combines the bright zest of orange with savory soy sauce for a balanced taste.
• Crispy Texture: Lightly coated chicken stays crispy even after glazing with the sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats well and keeps its flavors, ideal for packing lunches.
• Family Approved: Appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and tangy profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that bring the dish to life. Each component plays a crucial role: the citrus adds brightness, the soy adds depth, and the chicken itself provides satisfying protein and texture.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tenderness and quick cooking.
• Orange juice and zest: Freshly squeezed for the best bright, tangy flavor.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami kick to balance the sweetness.
• Honey or brown sugar: Provides natural sweetness and caramelizes the glaze.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a light acidity that enhances the orange notes.
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for aromatic spice and warmth.
• Cornstarch: For coating the chicken to ensure a crispy crust.
• Vegetable oil: High smoke point oil for frying the chicken.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle spicy kick for those who love a little heat.

Variations for Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

The beauty of this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to switch up proteins or adjust flavors for dietary needs, it’s easy to customize without losing the magic of the original dish.

• Use tofu instead of chicken: For a vegetarian or vegan version, firm tofu works well when properly pressed and fried.
• Swap chicken for shrimp: Quick-cooking shrimp can be a seafood twist that pairs wonderfully with the orange glaze.
• Less sugar option: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener for a lighter glaze.
• Gluten-free substitute: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
• Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season and then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch. This will create the crispy exterior that holds the glaze beautifully.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

In a separate pan, combine fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Glaze

Add the fried chicken pieces into the glaze pan and toss everything together carefully, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the shiny, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving dish, garnish if desired, and enjoy right away for the best texture and taste.

Pro Tips for Making Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice: It makes all the difference in flavor over store-bought concentrates.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to keep pieces crispy and evenly cooked.
• Simmer sauce gently: Avoid boiling too hard so the glaze thickens properly without burning.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Add more honey or sugar if you prefer a bolder sweet note in the glaze.
• Let the chicken rest: After frying, give the chicken a minute to drain for a better crisp finish.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich glaze and bring an inviting look to your dish.

Side Dishes

Serve this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw are excellent accompaniments to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra pizzazz, serve the chicken in lettuce cups or over crispy noodles for a fun texture variety. You could also turn it into a vibrant bowl with rice, avocado slices, and pickled veggies for a trendy lunch bowl presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Asian Glazed Orange Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken separate from any sides if possible to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely. Store the cooked chicken and glaze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power to keep the chicken moist and the glaze shiny. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just be careful not to overcook breasts as they can dry out.

Is this recipe spicy?

This version is mild, but you can easily add heat by stirring in red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the glaze.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness, then toss in the glaze.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

Potato starch or arrowroot powder are good gluten-free alternatives for coating the chicken to achieve crispiness.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch or alternative starch is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe brings a lively, delicious twist to any dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Its balance of tangy orange and sweet-savory glaze, combined with crispy chicken, will quickly become a family favorite. Dive in, try it out, and watch how it turns ordinary weeknights into moments worth savoring.

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