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Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce

Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce
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Orange Chicken with Tangy Sweet Sauce is a quick and easy dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, juicy sauce that balances sweetness, tanginess, and savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe combines tender chicken with a glossy, flavorful glaze that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2–3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot (for coating)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1–2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1-3 tbsp cold water (cornstarch slurry)
  • Optional: chili flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Toss chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch or your chosen gluten-free flour alternative to create a thin coating.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy outside, yet juicy inside. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  3. Make the Tangy Sweet Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili flakes. This creates a balanced sauce full of sweet and tangy flavors.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Pour sauce mixture into a skillet over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry, continuing to stir constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce pan. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly with the tangy sweet sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before coating for extra crispy texture.
  • Add cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid thickening the sauce too much.
  • Use fresh orange zest for enhanced citrus flavor.
  • Fry chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and soggy pieces.
  • Let chicken drain on paper towels before tossing with sauce to reduce excess oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, tangy sweet sauce, crispy chicken, quick dinner, Asian recipe, gluten free option

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/orange-chicken-with-tangy-sweet-sauce/