Orange Chicken Cutlets
Juicy chicken cutlets glazed with a tangy orange honey sauce, infused with onions and thickened to perfection—perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the chicken cutlets, then coat with flour and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat margarine in a skillet over medium heat and brown the cutlets for 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove the cutlets from the skillet and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, orange juice, and chopped onions.
- Pour the mixture into a small pan and heat until hot.
- In a separate small bowl, blend cornstarch with water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the orange sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked chicken cutlets and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken cutlets in orange juice and honey for an hour before cooking. You can substitute the margarine with olive oil or butter for a richer taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your preference. This dish can be paired with sides from other Asian recipes like Stir-Fry Vegetables With Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange chicken cutlets over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. They also pair well with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. For a delightful twist, consider serving with a side of Grandpa Vinnie'S Egg Drops For Soup. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover orange chicken cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cutlets in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of orange juice to keep them moist, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Chicken Cutlets contains roughly 166 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1592mg per serving (69% 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 bone-in chicken instead of cutlets?
While bone-in chicken will work, cooking times will differ. Make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked. Bone-in chicken may require longer to brown and cook through properly, so you might need to bake it after browning to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, consider using fresh lemon juice or a mix of lime juice with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Pineapple juice can also work as a substitute, adding a different but delicious flavor to the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the orange sauce. For a fresh kick, you can also add some diced jalapeños or Sriracha to taste. This adjustment will enhance the flavor profile while providing a spicy contrast to the sweetness.
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).