Description
This Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe features crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, sweet, and tangy orange glaze. With vibrant flavors from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, it’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The balance of citrus brightness and savory umami, combined with a crispy texture, makes this family-approved meal a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (or sugar-free sweetener for less sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
For Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch/arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/4 cup)
Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper if desired, then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch. This coating will ensure a crispy exterior that holds the glaze beautifully.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Orange Glaze: In a separate pan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, freshly minced ginger, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently until it thickens into a sticky, glossy glaze, about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling too hard to prevent burning.
- Combine and Glaze: Add the fried chicken pieces into the glaze pan. Toss carefully to ensure each piece is fully coated with the shiny, flavorful sauce. If desired, stir in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best bright flavor.
- Fry chicken in batches to keep pieces crispy and evenly cooked.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid burning and ensure proper thickening.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more honey or sugar.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after frying to achieve a better crisp finish.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos and substitute cornstarch with gluten-free starch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Asian glaze, orange chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and tangy, quick dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, family-friendly