Honey Orange Chicken
Honey Orange Chicken offers a flavorful blend of sweet and tangy citrus notes with a hint of ginger. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty orange-honey sauce, making it a perfect main for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy bold, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup honey ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 bone-in chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, orange juice, honey, lemon juice, cider vinegar, soy sauce, orange peel, ground ginger, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and cool the marinade.
- Pour 1 1/3 cups of marinade into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Add chicken breasts to the bag, seal, and turn to coat.
- Refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours, turning occasionally.
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for the full 8 hours. If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup works well, though it will alter the taste slightly. To enhance the ginger flavor, consider adding fresh grated ginger instead of ground. Always use reduced-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish lighter. Explore other Chinese recipes for varied flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Honey Orange Chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with Chinese vegetables for added color and nutrition. For a special touch, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. This dish is also excellent alongside Chicken With Musk Melon (Cantaloupe) Stir-Fry for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Honey Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat to maintain the moisture of the chicken. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water while reheating to loosen it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Orange Chicken contains roughly 105 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used. They will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. The marinade will still provide great flavor, making it a versatile option for this recipe.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Leftover marinade can be simmered in a saucepan to create a sauce. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for about 5-10 minutes to kill any bacteria. You can drizzle this over the cooked chicken or use it as a dipping sauce for a flavorful addition to your meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The marinated chicken can be cooked in batches and stored in meal prep containers. Pair it with grains and vegetables for a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner. Just make sure to store the components separately to maintain freshness until you're ready to eat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).