How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Fast

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, then Asian Glazed Orange Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, citrus-infused sauce that’s both irresistible and satisfying. Best of all, you can make this delicious Asian Glazed Orange Chicken fast, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules without compromising on taste.
• Flavor Explosion: Sweet, tangy, and savory notes combine for a perfectly balanced bite each time.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free and delightful.
• Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples create a restaurant-quality dish at home effortlessly.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role—not just in flavor but also texture and color—making this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken both delicious and visually appealing. From the bright orange juice to the crispy chicken coating, every component has its moment to shine.

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy and tender, ideal for quick frying and absorbing sauce flavors.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, light coating on the chicken for that perfect crunch.
• Fresh orange juice: The heart of the glaze, bringing a natural sweetness and tang.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and savory umami to balance the citrusy glaze.
• Honey or brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and gives the glaze a beautiful sheen.
• Garlic and ginger: Aromatic essentials that elevate the overall flavor complexity.
• Rice vinegar: Adds subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect finishing touches for texture, color, and taste.

Variations for Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak ingredients or methods to suit your taste, dietary choices, or available items without losing that signature glaze and zing.

• Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetarian alternative: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a meat-free option.
• Sweetener adjustments: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for different sweetness profiles.
• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, pork, or turkey pieces for a delicious spin on the classic.

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How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry to ensure maximum crispiness. Toss the pieces in cornstarch until they are evenly coated, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir frequently while bringing the mixture to a simmer, letting it thicken into a glossy glaze.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss gently in the orange glaze until every piece is thoroughly coated and shiny with sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving to add freshness and a satisfying crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so be sure to dry your chicken well before coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maintain the crunchy texture.
• Use fresh orange juice: It makes a noticeable difference in both taste and brightness of the glaze.
• Simmer the sauce to thicken: Slow simmering lets the glaze develop that perfect sticky, luscious consistency.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity: Taste the glaze as it cooks and tweak honey or vinegar to your preferred balance.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh green onions add a pop of color and subtle onion flavor, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a delicate nuttiness and texture contrast to this vibrant dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Asian Glazed Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy complement the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of fried rice or quinoa topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch. Alternatively, serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option ideal for parties or casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Asian Glazed Orange Chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, remaining tasty and flavorful.

Freezing

Although freezing may slightly affect the crispiness of the chicken, you can freeze the cooked chicken and glaze separately in freezer-friendly containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the chicken’s crisp texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving directly as it tends to soften the coating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well but may be less tender than thighs, so be careful not to overcook and dry them out during frying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this spicy?

Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the glaze creates a delicious, spicy kick.

How long does the glaze last?

The orange glaze is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and lightly reheated before coating the chicken.

What can I substitute for fresh orange juice?

If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled orange juice works in a pinch, but opt for a variety with no added sugar for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of serving up a beautifully glazed, crispy, and flavorful dish in just a fraction of the time you’d expect. Asian Glazed Orange Chicken is a delicious way to bring excitement to weeknight dinners, impress guests, or simply treat yourself. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a fast favorite that you turn to again and again!

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