Honey Orange Soy Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Are you searching for a flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Honey Orange Soy Chicken recipe! This recipe combines the tangy zest of oranges, the natural sweetness of honey, and the savory depth of soy sauce to create a truly unforgettable flavor profile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even a bed of roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from steamed broccoli to a vibrant salad. The possibilities are endless!

## Why This Recipe Works

This Honey Orange Soy Chicken recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Flavor Balance:** The combination of honey, orange, and soy sauce creates a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that is incredibly satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adjusting the amount of honey, orange juice, or soy sauce.
* **Healthy(ish):** While it’s not a health food, using lean chicken breast and balancing the sweetness with other flavors makes it a more wholesome option compared to some other Asian-inspired dishes.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The flavors are generally well-received by both adults and children.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (or thighs, if you prefer)
* **Orange:** 1 large orange, juiced and zested (about 1/2 cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup (low sodium preferred)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, grated (fresh is best, but ground ginger can be substituted)
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons
* **Green Onions:** 2-3, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish, optional)
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon, for cooking
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

## Equipment

You’ll also need a few basic kitchen tools:

* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Large skillet or wok
* Whisk

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Honey Orange Soy Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Ensure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help the chicken brown nicely and create a slightly crispy exterior. Toss to coat evenly.

**Step 2: Make the Honey Orange Soy Sauce**

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Simmer the Sauce**

1. Pour the Honey Orange Soy sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add extra flavor!
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

**Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce**

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
3. Serve immediately over your choice of rice, noodles, quinoa, or vegetables.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly squeezed orange juice and grated ginger will provide the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it browns properly.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey.
* **Control the Sodium:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium content.
* **Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking:** Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
* **Marinate for More Flavor:** For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the Honey Orange Soy sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Broccoli florets** Adding broccoli florets into the sauce when simmering can provide a healthy and visually pleasing addition. You may want to blanch them slightly before adding for best texture.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the skillet along with the chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

This Honey Orange Soy Chicken is delicious served with:

* Steamed white rice
* Brown rice
* Noodles (such as udon or ramen)
* Quinoa
* Roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
* A simple salad
* Stir-fried vegetables
* Spring rolls

## Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize this recipe:

* **Honey Orange Soy Salmon:** Substitute salmon fillets for the chicken breasts.
* **Honey Orange Soy Tofu:** Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, instead of chicken.
* **Honey Orange Soy Shrimp:** Use peeled and deveined shrimp instead of chicken. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
* **Spicy Honey Orange Soy Chicken:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
* **Honey Lemon Soy Chicken:** Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange juice and zest.
* **Honey-Garlic Soy Chicken**: Omit orange juice and zest. Double garlic. Add 1 tsp of Chinese 5 spice.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish can be prepared ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, and then combine them. The flavors will even meld together more intensely overnight!

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Honey Orange Soy Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs. They will take a little longer to cook, but they will be more tender and flavorful.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this recipe, but the texture of the chicken may change slightly. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?**
A: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Marinating the chicken beforehand can also help to keep it moist.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.

**Q: What kind of rice is best to serve with this dish?**
A: Any kind of rice will work, but white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices.

**Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?**
A: Add more cornstarch slurry to the sauce. Start with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon of water, and add more as needed.

**Q: Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger?**
A: Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger for 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. However, fresh ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor.

**Q: Can I use bottled orange juice?**
A: While fresh orange juice is preferred, you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch. Look for 100% orange juice without any added sugar.

**Q: How can I make this recipe less sweet?**
A: Reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

## Honey Orange Soy Chicken Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 large orange, juiced and zested (about 1/2 cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
7. Pour the Honey Orange Soy sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
8. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.
9. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
10. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
12. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, quinoa, or vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Honey Orange Soy Chicken! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to add some excitement to your dinner routine. The perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors will have you coming back for more. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and side dishes to create your own unique culinary experience. Happy cooking!