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
Scale
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.
