When it comes to a delicious and tangy meal, few options can beat the classic combination of orange chicken. With its sweet and savory flavors, this dish has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 different orange chicken recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
From classic takes with crispy coatings to spicy stir-fries and sweet and sticky glazes, each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the best of orange chicken’s flavor profile. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, there’s an orange chicken recipe here that’s sure to please.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into these mouth-watering recipes and start cooking up some deliciousness!
Classic Orange Chicken with Crispy Coating
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken, this recipe combines crispy coated chicken with a tangy orange sauce for a delightful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Dip floured chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine orange marmalade, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Add cooked chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat with the orange glaze.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry
Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry: A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional stir-fries, this recipe combines the sweetness of oranges with the heat of chili flakes for a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds.
6. Pour in the orange glaze mixture and stir to combine.
7. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the glaze.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Orange Chicken with Sesame Seeds
A sweet and savory twist on traditional Chinese takeout, this recipe combines the richness of honey and orange marmalade with crispy sesame seeds for a delightful chicken dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, honey, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange chicken in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top of the chicken.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Ginger Chicken Skewers
Elevate your grilling game with these flavorful Orange Ginger Chicken Skewers, perfect for a quick and delicious summer dinner or party appetizer. Sweet and tangy orange marmalade meets spicy ginger in this Asian-inspired dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
3. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Orange Chicken with Bell Peppers
This sweet and savory dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender chicken, juicy bell peppers, and a hint of orange will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, bell peppers, orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in chicken broth to prevent sticking.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Orange Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the tanginess of orange with the depth of soy sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, honey, and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These wraps combine the savory flavors of orange chicken with the crunch and freshness of lettuce, all wrapped up in a convenient package.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, orange marmalade, ginger, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken, mixed veggies, and garlic; toss to coat.
4. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Assemble wraps by placing cooked chicken mixture onto lettuce leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Orange Chicken with Jasmine Rice
This sweet and savory dish combines juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and zesty orange in a flavorful fusion that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with fragrant jasmine rice for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cups jasmine rice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, mix pineapple chunks and remaining orange juice. Top chicken with the pineapple mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve chicken with jasmine rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Orange Chicken with Garlic and Chili Flakes
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the savory flavor of chicken, allspiced with garlic and chili flakes for a bold and aromatic dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Orange Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges
Elevate your salad game with this sweet and savory combination of juicy mandarin oranges, crispy chicken, and crunchy greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken, mandarin oranges, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Orange Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Discover the sweet and savory flavors of this Asian-inspired dish, featuring crispy orange chicken, succulent vegetables, and a rich teriyaki sauce, all served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, garlic, and vegetable oil.
3. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Bake chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook mixed vegetables according to package instructions.
6. In a small saucepan, heat teriyaki sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
7. Assemble bowls by placing cooked rice at the bottom, followed by orange chicken, mixed vegetables, and drizzled with teriyaki sauce.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Orange Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of oranges, the spiciness of chicken, and the tanginess of lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime Crema (recipe below)
– Sliced radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by slicing the grilled chicken and placing it onto a tortilla. Top with Lime Crema, radishes, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Lime Crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 minced garlic clove
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Orange Chicken with Steamed Broccoli
This recipe combines the flavors of orange and chicken in a sweet and savory dish, served alongside a simple and healthy side of steamed broccoli. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Steam broccoli florets according to package instructions or steam for 4-6 minutes until tender.
6. Serve chicken with steamed broccoli and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Chicken Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on the classic Chinese dish, this Orange Chicken Fried Rice combines juicy chicken, crispy vegetables, and a hint of citrus for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced cooked chicken
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables, cooked chicken, soy sauce, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the rice is well combined with the other ingredients.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Orange Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Sauce
Elevate your meatball game with this sweet and savory twist, featuring juicy chicken meatballs smothered in a tangy orange sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp orange marmalade
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, combine sweet and sour sauce and orange marmalade in a small bowl.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and toss with sweet sauce mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Orange Chicken Noodle Soup
Brighten up a chilly day with this citrusy twist on classic chicken noodle soup! This easy-to-make recipe combines the comfort of chicken and noodles with the vibrant flavor of oranges.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sliced carrots
– 1/2 cup uncooked egg noodles
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the chicken, carrots, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until tender.
4. Stir in orange juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Chicken with Coconut Rice
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the sweetness of orange marmalade with the spiciness of chili flakes, served atop a bed of creamy coconut rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup orange marmalade
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using coconut milk instead of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add garlic, orange marmalade, and chili flakes. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce is bubbly.
4. Serve chicken on top of coconut rice and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Orange Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
Orange Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Twist on a Classic!
This recipe combines the flavors of orange chicken with the sweetness of bell peppers, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this mouthwatering dish for your next family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add orange marmalade, soy sauce, and ginger to the skillet; stir to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture and place in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Orange Chicken Pizza with Fresh Herbs
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange, the spiciness of chicken, and the freshness of herbs to create a unique pizza experience. Perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border.
3. Top with diced chicken breast.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and basil over the chicken.
5. Finish with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Chicken Kebabs with Zucchini
Transform your summer barbecues with this vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional kebabs! Sweet oranges, tangy chicken, and tender zucchinis come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 10-12 bamboo skewers
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together marmalade, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add chicken and toss to coat; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread chicken, zucchini slices, and a few orange segments onto each skewer.
4. Brush kebabs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill or cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 20 flavor-packed orange chicken recipes! From classic stir-fries to slow cooker meals and even pizza toppings, there’s something for everyone. Try the crispy-coated Classic Orange Chicken or kick it up a notch with Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry. Or, add some tanginess to your salads with Orange Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges. With such a variety of flavors and textures, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, or savory, these orange chicken recipes are sure to satisfy.
