If you are craving something that bursts with flavor and feels like a cozy hug in every bite, this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tangy orange zest, savory soy undertones, and a touch of sweetness that creates an irresistible glaze coating tender chicken pieces. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this dish never fails to become a favorite at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here — just simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver that iconic sweet and savory Asian-inspired glaze. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the bright notes of orange juice to the hearty depth of soy sauce and the warm spice kick from ginger.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy bite-sized pieces.
- Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse the chicken with aromatic savory goodness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness to enhance flavor without overpowering.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: The star ingredient, delivering natural sweetness and citrus brightness.
- Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and helps create that glossy glaze.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for zing and warmth that lifts the entire dish.
- Cooking oil: Necessary for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — this ensures every piece cooks evenly and gets coated beautifully in the glaze later. Smaller chunks also make the dish easy to eat, perfect for serving with rice or noodles.
Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Place the diced chicken in a bowl with soy sauce and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up those savory flavors, making the chicken succulent and infused with garlic goodness before it even hits the pan.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
Whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, and a splash of soy sauce in a separate bowl. This luscious mixture is what gives this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe its mouthwatering shine and balanced sweet-tart taste.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the marinated chicken and sauté until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. The caramelized bits from this step contribute a wonderful texture before the glaze goes on.
Step 5: Glaze and Simmer
Pour the prepared orange sauce over the browned chicken. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the chicken pieces luxuriously. This step transforms the dish into a sticky, flavorful delight everyone will love.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Serve your Asian Glazed Orange Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or noodles. The juicy chicken and silky orange glaze pair perfectly with simple carbs that soak up all those rich flavors.
How to Serve Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving. These add a pop of color, a bit of crunch, and an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish feel complete and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a colorful stir-fry. The fresh vegetables contrast nicely with the rich orange glaze and add healthy texture to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter twist. You can also pile it onto crispy lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer-style presentation that will wow any guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken can stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this dish freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken texture tender and the glaze shiny and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more tender and flavorful, so feel free to swap them in. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar slightly or add a little extra soy sauce for saltiness. You can also mix in a bit of rice vinegar or chili flakes for balance and a touch of heat.
Is fresh orange juice really necessary?
Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best bright, natural citrus flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice makes a noticeable difference in this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick whisk before adding to the chicken when cooking.
What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?
Try serving over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even a bed of steamed greens for a low-carb option. You can also serve as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
This Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe truly has a way of turning a simple weeknight dinner into something special and memorable. The combination of citrusy glaze with tender, garlicky chicken hits every craving you didn’t know you had. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how incredibly satisfying and easy it is to make at home!
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Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Asian Glazed Orange Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce and garlic, then sautéed to golden perfection. The chicken is simmered in a sweet and tangy orange glaze infused with brown sugar, fresh ginger, and orange juice, creating a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (for marinating)
Orange Glaze Sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- A splash of soy sauce (approximately 1-2 tbsp)
Cooking
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce and minced garlic. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, and a splash of soy sauce until well combined to create the flavorful orange glaze.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared orange glaze sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Asian Glazed Orange Chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor depth.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the glaze.
- Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant citrus flavor instead of bottled juice.
- Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a nice finishing touch.
