DESCRIPTION
This orange chicken is one of my favorite quick dinners when I’m craving takeout flavors but want something homemade. It starts with simple chicken breast and a few pantry staples, plus a splash of orange juice (or use pineapple juice!) to give the saucy coating on the chicken that sweet-tangy punch. The chicken can be cooked in the air fryer or on the stovetop. Either way, it comes together fast and tastes like a treat. I know you’re going to love this! -Christine
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast*, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3 tsp. cornstarch, divided
- 3 Tbps. orange juice, divided
- 1/2 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 Tbsp. honey
Instructions
- Place the chicken on a large plate and sprinkle with salt, tossing to coat the chicken. Arrange in a single layer and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch over the chicken and stir to coat. Sprinkle another teaspoon of the cornstarch over the chicken and stir again.
- Air Fryer: Add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook until chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center when you cut into them, 7-9 minutes. Or, Stovetop: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of cooking oil. Once warm, add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, measure the remaining 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the orange juice and stir until smooth. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice, along with the soy sauce, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
- Microwave orange mixture on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Cook for another 15 seconds. Stir. Stir the honey into the juice mixture.
- You do not want the orange-honey sauce to boil over in the microwave, so watch carefully while you microwave it for 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between each interval, until sauce is really frothy. Stir. Sauce should be thick and shiny.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish. Stir in the hot orange sauce until chicken is evenly coated.
Love this recipe? I’d appreciate it if you could scroll down and add a *5 star rating* to help others know they’ll love it as well!
Notes
*Alternatively, you can use 1/2 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs, also cut into 1-inch pieces.