Orange-Glazed Chicken Oriental
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken glazed with a tangy orange sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests craving Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons honey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onion (white part only) ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 orange peel strip, slivered ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, cut into 1/2 x 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Whisk orange juice, soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and ginger in a small bowl until the cornstarch and honey dissolve.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat.
- Add sliced green onion, minced garlic, and orange peel to the skillet and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until opaque, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the orange juice mixture and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Season with freshly ground pepper and salt if desired, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker glaze, let the orange juice mixture simmer longer before adding the chicken. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used, but reduce the quantity to 1/4 teaspoon. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a splash of sesame oil. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile choice for quick weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Orange-Glazed Chicken Oriental over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. For a delightful pairing, consider serving with a side of Egg And Mushroom Soup to create a comforting Asian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Glazed Chicken Oriental contains roughly 561 calories, with 18g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1150mg per serving (50% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with thinly sliced pork or beef for a different flavor. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as they may vary from chicken. Additionally, tofu can be used for a vegetarian option, absorbing the flavors of the orange glaze beautifully.
What can I do if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with another citrus juice like lemon or lime, though the flavor will be different. Alternatively, using a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar can mimic the sweetness and acidity of orange juice.
How spicy is this dish, and can I add heat?
This dish is not spicy but can be easily customized. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the orange juice mixture for a kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, ensuring it complements the sweetness of the glaze.
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).