How to Make the Perfect Quick Orange Chicken
Chinese-American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This quick orange chicken delivers all the sticky sweet citrus flavor of your favorite takeout in just 15 minutes. Skip the delivery wait with this fast high-protein recipe that tastes even better than the restaurant version.
Why this recipe works
This Quick Orange Chicken recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 0.5 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through, turning once.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
Whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Glaze the Chicken
Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
Step 4: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside steamed broccoli.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- orange marmalade → fresh orange juice plus 2 tablespoons of honey for a fresher flavor
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a similar acidity
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan which steams the chicken instead of searing it properly
- Cooking the sauce too long on high heat causing it to burn and turn bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 36g protein, 18g carbs, 12g fat, 0g fiber.
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