Sticky Orange Honey Garlic Chicken: A Flavor Explosion!
This Orange Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavor bomb! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly addictive and satisfying. The chicken is coated in a luscious glaze made with fresh orange juice, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger, creating a sticky and irresistible sauce that clings to every piece. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavorful and Addictive:** The combination of orange, honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with rice, noodles, vegetables, or even in lettuce wraps for a variety of meal options.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spiciness to your liking.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
* **Orange Juice:** Freshly squeezed orange juice is key for the best flavor. Avoid using store-bought orange juice with added sugars or preservatives.
* **Honey:** Use a good quality honey for a richer flavor.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is a must! It adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Soy Sauce:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Ginger:** Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and spicy note to the sauce.
* **Rice Vinegar:** Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness.
* **Sesame Oil:** A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **Cornstarch:** Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Green Onions (Optional):** For garnish.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** For garnish.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Preparation:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken thighs (or breasts) into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a bowl.
2. **Make the Marinade:** In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the orange juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour, in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and tenderize it.
**Cooking the Chicken:**
3. **Heat the Oil:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to ensure a good sear.
4. **Sear the Chicken:** Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken on all sides until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
**Making the Orange Honey Garlic Sauce:**
5. **Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:** In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6. **Add the Sauce Ingredients:** Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine.
7. **Thicken the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is not thick enough, you can whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook for another minute, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
**Combining and Serving:**
8. **Add the Chicken:** Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
## Tips for the Best Orange Honey Garlic Chicken
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly squeezed orange juice, minced garlic, and grated ginger will make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from browning properly and result in steamed chicken instead of seared chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess:** Taste the sauce and adjust the honey and rice vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more rice vinegar.
* **Control the Heat:** Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through and no longer pink inside.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Chicken:** You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even chicken wings for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Orange Juice:** If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice, but be sure to choose a variety that doesn’t contain added sugars.
* **Honey:** You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Garlic:** If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.
* **Ginger:** If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.
* **Soy Sauce:** You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Add them to the skillet along with the sauce and cook until tender-crisp.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Rice:** Serve the chicken over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve the chicken over egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles.
* **Vegetables:** Serve the chicken with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
* **Lettuce Wraps:** Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a light and healthy meal.
* **Appetizer:** Serve the chicken as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover Orange Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fat: 15-20g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Orange Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
* ¾ cup fresh orange juice, divided
* ¼ cup honey
* 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
* 2 tsp minced garlic, divided
* 1 tsp grated ginger, divided
* 1 tbsp rice vinegar
* 1 tsp sesame oil
* 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
* 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet or wok
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ¼ cup of the orange juice, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and sear on all sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. **Make the Sauce:** In the same skillet, sauté the remaining 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the remaining ½ cup of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
4. **Thicken the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
5. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to glaze the chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Orange Honey Garlic Chicken!