Sticky Orange Chicken Bites

$To make sticky orange chicken bites, you need simple items. Gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water The marinade gives the chicken its flavor. Here are the key marinade components: - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) Garnishes add a nice touch to your dish. Consider these optional garnishes: - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the mix. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Whisk this all together until it's well blended. This mix brings a sweet and tangy flavor that makes the chicken shine. Next, add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For stronger flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. This step is key for tender and tasty chicken bites. Now, it’s time to cook! In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, take the chicken out of the marinade but keep the marinade for later. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through. After that, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Finally, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it in. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky texture. Now, your sticky orange chicken bites are ready to serve! To boost flavor, use fresh orange juice. Fresh juice gives a bright taste. You can add zest from the orange too. It adds a fragrant note. For a nice kick, try adding more ginger or garlic. If you like heat, use more red pepper flakes. Letting the chicken marinate longer helps the flavors soak in. Use a large skillet or wok for even cooking. Heat the pan before adding the chicken. This helps get a nice sear. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown. This gives a great texture. When you add the marinade, let it simmer. This helps the flavors meld together. The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening the sauce. Serve these sticky orange chicken bites with rice. White or brown rice works well. You can also use quinoa for a healthy twist. Adding steamed broccoli or snap peas makes it colorful. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. This adds crunch and a fresh taste. Enjoy these bites as a fun appetizer or a main dish! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavors of the orange and spices. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor that elevates the dish. Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or chili oil. Perfecting the Sauce: Keep stirring the sauce after adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, sticky consistency. {{image_2}} To make spicy orange chicken bites, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce. Just mix it into the marinade. This will give the dish a nice kick. Adjust the heat based on your taste. If you want it extra spicy, try adding chopped fresh chili peppers. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. You can use bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just stir-fry them in the skillet before adding the chicken. This adds color and crunch. Cook the veggies for a few minutes until they are tender. Then, add the chicken and sauce as usual. You can swap some ingredients for healthier options. Use less honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. If you want to reduce calories, try using chicken breast instead of thighs. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Experimenting with these variations can help you find your favorite way to enjoy sticky orange chicken bites! To store your sticky orange chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This helps you know when to eat them. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid. Heat it in short bursts to keep the chicken juicy. If using a skillet, add a dash of water. This keeps the moisture in. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often until warm. If you want to freeze your chicken bites, it’s easy! Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as explained above for the best taste. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay tender. They have more fat than breasts, which makes them juicy. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts. The cooking time will be about the same. If you need a honey substitute, use maple syrup or agave nectar. These sweeteners work well in this recipe. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water. This mix gives a similar sweetness and texture. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check the other ingredients for hidden gluten too. This way, everyone can enjoy your sticky orange chicken bites! This article detailed the essential steps to make a tasty orange chicken dish. We explored key ingredients, marinade ideas, and cooking methods. Remember to try different variations and add your own twist. Use the tips for better flavor and cooking techniques. Proper storage and reheating can keep your leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy orange chicken anytime. Dive into the kitchen and start experimenting!$

Sticky Orange Chicken Bites

Delicious bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a sticky orange sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed if possible
1 4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
1 4 cup honey
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1 4 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish
1 to taste sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserving the marinade for later) and add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency. Remove from heat.
Transfer the sticky orange chicken bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, orange, sticky