Orange Sesame Chicken Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Craving a tasty meal that’s simple to make? Let me introduce you to Orange Sesame Chicken—your new weeknight hero! This dish bursts with flavor and comes together quickly. In this guide, I’ll share key ingredients, easy steps, and handy tips. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ready to impress your family with a delicious dinner? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Optional Garnishes

You can add green onions for a fresh crunch. Toasted sesame seeds add a nice finish. A few orange slices can make your dish pop with color.

Tools Needed

You will need a large skillet or wok to cook the chicken. A mixing bowl is key for combining dry ingredients. A whisk helps blend everything well. A sharp knife makes chopping easy, while a cutting board keeps your workspace clean.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

Begin by preparing your chicken. You need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. This mix will create a nice coating for your chicken. Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mix until well-coated. Make sure each piece is covered evenly.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. If your skillet is small, cook them in batches. This helps them brown nicely. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Making the Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat a bit. Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and a 1-inch piece of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant and golden. Next, pour in ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup of honey, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir well. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken a little.

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss it in the orange sauce until each piece is fully coated. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. This will heat the chicken again and make it shiny with the sauce. Before serving, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken. Toss gently to mix. For a fresh touch, add finely chopped green onions on top before plating. Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Crispy Chicken

To get crispy chicken, coat it well. Use a mix of flour and cornstarch. Toss each piece of chicken in the mix until it's fully covered. This helps create a nice crust. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the pan makes the chicken steam instead of fry. Aim for a golden brown color; that’s when it’s perfect!

Best Practices for Sauce Consistency

For the sauce to be just right, watch the heat. After adding the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar, stir well. Let it simmer gently. This will help the sauce thicken. If you want it thicker, let it cook a bit longer. A good sauce should cling to the chicken, not drown it. It should be shiny and glossy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the orange sesame chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base to soak up the sauce. For a pop of color, sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds on top. You can also add steamed veggies for a balanced meal. This dish looks great and tastes amazing, so make it pretty on your plate!

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or pork for a twist. Tofu is a great choice too. It soaks up the orange sauce well. Fish, like salmon, also works nicely. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture.

Vegan or Vegetarian Options

For a vegan or vegetarian meal, use tofu or tempeh. These options provide protein and are easy to cook. Coat them in the same flour mix as chicken. Follow the same steps to prepare them. You can also add more veggies for extra color and nutrients.

Flavor Enhancements

Enhance the flavor with a few simple tweaks. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of orange zest brightens the sauce. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or snap peas. These add crunch and freshness to the dish. Experiment with different spices like five-spice or garlic powder for depth.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your orange sesame chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken has cooled down to room temperature. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact while preventing spoilage. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chicken on the stovetop. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra orange juice to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, cover the chicken in a bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing Tips

To freeze orange sesame chicken, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is Orange Sesame Chicken?

Orange Sesame Chicken is a tasty dish. It combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sesame oil and seeds add a great nutty flavor. You can enjoy it over rice or quinoa.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight to defrost.

How to adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

To adjust the sweetness, add more or less honey. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more honey. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or rice vinegar. This balances the flavors well.

What are the best side dishes to serve with it?

Great side dishes include steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables. These sides complement the orange flavors nicely.

How long does it take to make Orange Sesame Chicken?

It takes about 25 minutes to make Orange Sesame Chicken. You need 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s quick and perfect for busy days!

In this blog post, I shared how to make Orange Sesame Chicken. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve crispy chicken and create the perfect sauce. I also highlighted variations and storage info.

Enjoy your cooking adventure! You can impress friends with this tasty dish. Remember, the key is in the details, so follow the steps closely. Happy cooking!

Orange Sesame Chicken

Delight your taste buds with this Citrusy Sesame Chicken recipe! This easy-to-follow dish combines tender chicken with a zesty orange sauce, packed with flavor from sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Click to explore how you can whip up this sweet and savory sensation in just 25 minutes. Your next favorite meal awaits!

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Ingredients

  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (preferably)

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and toss thoroughly until each piece is fully coated with the dry ingredients.

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously, until the garlic is fragrant and golden.

Carefully pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir vigorously to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the orange sauce until evenly coated. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is hot throughout and glossy from the sauce.

Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and give it a gentle toss to incorporate them.

Remove from the heat, and for an extra burst of flavor, garnish with the finely chopped green onions before plating.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the orangey sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, arranging the chicken in a vibrant bowl and topping it with additional green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an inviting finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4