Easy Orange Chicken

If you love orange chicken but don’t love the heavy, fried version, this is the weeknight answer. The sauce is bright from fresh orange juice and zest, balanced with soy sauce and rice vinegar, and thickened just enough to cling to every piece of chicken.

The method is the best part. You sear the chicken for quick browning, pour in the sauce, then let the oven do the rest. Broccoli goes in at the end, so it stays tender with a little bite instead of turning soft.

I make this when I want takeout flavor without the takeout budget. Serve it as-is, spoon it over rice, or go with cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things worth knowing before you start cooking so everything goes smoothly.

• Chicken swap: Chicken thighs work great if you want a juicier result, just chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari in place of soy sauce for the same savory flavor without the gluten.
• Use fresh citrus: Fresh orange juice and zest make the sauce taste bright and clean, not flat or overly sweet.
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• Whisk the cornstarch well: Mix it into the sauce until smooth, so it thickens glossy instead of clumpy.
• Choose an oven-safe skillet: This goes from stovetop to oven, so use a pan that can handle 400 degrees.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken

Here’s a quick overview of how to pull this recipe together step-by-step.

1. Coat The Chicken

Toss the chopped chicken breast with half the cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. This helps it brown and gives the sauce something to grab onto.

2. Mix The Orange Sauce

Whisk together orange juice, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and the remaining cornstarch until completely smooth.

3. Sear, Sauce, Then Bake

Heat sesame oil in a large oven-safe skillet and sear the chicken in a single layer until lightly browned on both sides. Turn off the heat, pour in the sauce, stir, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick.

4. Add Broccoli And Finish

Stir in the broccoli and return to the oven just until it’s tender with a little bite. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve right away.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are the best tips and pro tricks to help this recipe turn out perfectly every time.

• Sauce consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of water or orange juice until it coats the chicken easily.
• Avoid steaming: Don’t crowd the chicken when you sear! Brown it in batches if needed, so you get color instead of pale pieces.
• Broccoli timing: Add broccoli at the end so it roasts and stays bright, not mushy.
• Swap the veggie: Zucchini, asparagus, green beans, or snap peas work well! Just add quick-cooking veggies closer to the end.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha right before serving for a little heat.
• Extra citrus pop: Add a little more zest at the end if you want the orange flavor to really punch through.
• Sesame finish: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add that takeout-style look and a little crunch without extra work.

Serving Ideas

Here are some easy and delicious ways to serve this recipe.

• Carbs: Serve this orange chicken with a side of Easy Sushi Rice, Quinoa Fried Rice, or Healthy Fried Rice, which are great takeout-style sides!
• Low-carb sides: Plain cauliflower rice, Cauliflower Fried Rice, or Cabbage Fried Rice make great low-carb sides!
• Extra veggies: Serve with Asian Zucchini Noodles, Sesame Broccoli, Sesame Soy Edamame, or Sesame Green Beans for extra greens!
• Wrap style: Spoon leftovers into lettuce cups with extra sesame seeds and a drizzle of sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store, reheat, and enjoy your leftovers.

• Storage: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the chicken (ideally separate from the broccoli) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for the best texture.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring so the sauce stays smooth.
• Leftovers: Turn it into meal prep bowls with rice and extra veggies, stuff it into lettuce wraps, or toss it with noodles for a quick orange chicken stir-fry.