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Sticky Orange Chicken

Sticky Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Crispy Chicken made with chicken breasts and brown sugar for rich flavor – the ultimate quick family dinner!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 3 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola

For the Sticky Orange Sauce

  • ¾ cup orange juice fresh or bottled
  • ¼ cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Zest of 1 orange optional

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken:

  • In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture.

Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, 1–2 minutes. Add orange zest and red pepper flakes if using.

Combine:

  • Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Gently rewarm in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: Freeze the cooked (but unsauced) chicken pieces. When ready, thaw, crisp up in the oven, and toss with fresh sauce.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
  • Add a side: Quick stir-fried green beans, broccoli, or snap peas.
  • Make it a feast: Pair with homemade or store-bought egg rolls or dumplings!

Tips and Hacks for Speedy Success

  • Use chicken tenders: They cook even faster than breasts.
  • Pre-make your dredge station: Set up your bowls assembly-line style before you start.
  • Shortcut sauce: No fresh oranges? Use bottled juice and skip the zest (but add a little extra vinegar to brighten it up).
  • Double the sauce: Because honestly, you’ll want to drizzle it on EVERYTHING.