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To make glazed orange chicken, you need a few key items. Here’s a list of the main ingredients: - 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/4 cup water These ingredients bring together a bright and zesty flavor that makes this dish special. The flavor of glazed orange chicken is a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and tangy. The orange juice and zest give a fresh, citrus taste. Honey adds a nice sweetness. Low sodium soy sauce provides a deep, savory flavor. Garlic and ginger add warmth and depth. Together, they create a balanced sauce that coats the chicken well. When cooking, these ingredients work together to make a delicious glaze. The combination of sweet and savory keeps every bite exciting. Garnishing your dish can make it look even better. Here are some simple options: - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds These garnishes add a nice crunch and a pop of color. Green onions give a mild onion flavor, while sesame seeds add a nutty touch. You can sprinkle them on just before serving for a beautiful finish to your glazed orange chicken. First, gather your ingredients. You will need orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. In a medium bowl, whisk these together to make a tasty marinade. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this marinade for later. Next, take your chicken thighs and cut them into small pieces. Place these pieces in a large zipper-lock bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it covers all the pieces. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavors. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra liquid drip off. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly. You want it to get golden brown and fully cooked through. While the chicken cooks, take the reserved marinade and add it to a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Once the marinade is hot, add the cornstarch mix to it. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Once the chicken is ready, pour the thick glaze over it in the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it well in the orange glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This helps the glaze set on the chicken. Now your glazed orange chicken is ready to be served! To make a great marinade, use fresh orange juice and zest. The zest adds bright flavor. Combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk these ingredients well in a bowl. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit up to 2 hours. This step makes your chicken juicy and full of taste. To get the glaze just right, you need a smooth mix. After cooking the chicken, take the reserved marinade. Heat it in a saucepan. Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl until smooth. Add this mix to the marinade while stirring. It should thicken in about 3-5 minutes. The right consistency is key for a nice coating on the chicken. Cook your chicken on medium-high heat for the best results. This heat helps to brown the chicken nicely. Stir the chicken often to ensure it cooks evenly. Look for a golden-brown color. This means it’s done and tender. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the chicken dry. Aim for 5-7 minutes of cooking time. Enjoy your moist and flavorful orange chicken! {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Shrimp works great with this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors. Tofu is another option for a tasty twist. Just make sure to press it well to remove excess water. This helps it soak up the marinade. You can also try pork or beef for a different bite. For a vegan dish, use tempeh or seitan. They both have great texture and flavor. Marinate them just like the chicken. You can also use cauliflower or chickpeas. They bring a nice crunch and absorb the glaze well. These swaps keep the dish vibrant and satisfying. Want to add some heat? Try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha. This gives a spicy kick to the glaze. If you like more citrus, add lime juice or zest. It brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. You can mix in herbs like cilantro or basil for extra freshness. These small changes can make a big impact on taste! To keep your glazed orange chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until it's heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze glazed orange chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date, and it will last for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above for the best results. To make glazed orange chicken spicy, add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. Start with a small amount, like 1/2 teaspoon. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat to your liking. You can also add minced jalapeños to the marinade for a fresh kick. This gives a zesty balance to the sweet orange flavor. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and will cook faster. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may dry out if overcooked. Cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces, just like the thighs. This will help them cook evenly. Glazed orange chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with vegetables - Roasted broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad - Egg rolls or spring rolls These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy your delicious feast! In this post, I shared how to make glazed orange chicken with clear steps. You learned about key ingredients, marinating, and cooking techniques. I also offered tips for perfecting flavor and texture. Don't forget to try variations and how to store leftovers. The right glaze can elevate your dish, and you can adapt it to your taste. This simple guide boosts your confidence in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Glazed Orange Chicken

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Zesty Glazed Orange Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy orange glaze that’s sure to impress. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night. Ready to make dinnertime special?
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Ingredients
  

1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup water

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade. Reserve a small amount (about 1/4 cup) for glazing later.

    Place the chopped chicken thighs in a large zipper-lock bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

      After marinating, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

        Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

          While the chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade and place it in a small saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth, then add this mixture to the simmering marinade, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3-5 minutes).

            Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, pour the thickened glaze over it in the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the glorious orange glaze.

              Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to set slightly before removing from heat.

                Serve the glazed orange chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4