Description
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy homemade orange BBQ sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines the zest of orange marmalade with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce. Crispy pan-fried chicken chunks are tossed in a rich sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (use more if needed)
Sauce
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's original recommended)
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, and low sodium soy sauce. Stir well to blend all the flavors together and set aside.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Then lightly coat each piece with all-purpose flour to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until they turn lightly brown and develop a slightly crisp texture. If cooking in batches, remove cooked chicken to a plate, cover, and keep warm to prevent drying out.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan used for cooking the chicken. Add the chicken back into the pan and stir to coat all pieces evenly. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 10 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Once the sauce is thick and bubbly, remove from heat and serve the orange chicken hot. It pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniformly cut for even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of vegetable oil as needed depending on your skillet size to prevent sticking and ensure crispiness.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- This dish is best served fresh, as the sauce thickens further upon standing.
- Leftover orange chicken can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Chinese
