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EASY ORANGE CHICKEN RECIPE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: Quick 20 Minute Skillet Magic

This easy orange chicken recipe is perfect for a quick 20 minute orange chicken skillet takeout copycat. Enjoy a panda express style orange chicken homemade sauce without frying, making it a delicious and healthier alternative. Whether you want a sticky orange chicken broccoli stir fry one pan meal or a budget friendly orange chicken with pantry staples, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors fast.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 567

Ingredients
  

  • 6 whole boneless chicken thighs or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. corn starch
  • 1 tsp. black pepper or less to taste fresh ground
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. paprika to add color to the chicken
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1½ tbsp. corn starch
  • 2 tbsps. vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce
  • 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 tbsps. brown sugar
  • ½ tbsp. grated ginger
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • ½ tsp. black pepper fresh ground
  • 1 tsp. orange zest
  • Chili flakes optional to add heat

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into bite sized ½ inch pieces and toss them in a bowl with the flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder until evenly coated.
  2. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high and fry the chicken cubes until they turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes; avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
  3. While the chicken cooks, mix the orange juice, corn starch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, orange zest, and chili flakes in a bowl until well combined.
  4. Pour this sauce mixture into a hot non-stick skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
  5. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat thoroughly, letting them simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes before removing from heat.
  6. Serve the orange chicken hot alongside white rice or homemade Lo Mein noodles, optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

  • Use a large non-stick skillet or wok to prevent sticking.
  • You can swap chicken thighs for skinless boneless chicken tenderloins if preferred.
  • Make sure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Adjust orange zest level to suit your taste preference.
  • Reserve extra sauce to drizzle on rice or double the sauce for more coverage.
  • Ensure your pan is properly heated before cooking to get a nice sear.
  • Store-bought orange juice can be used but don’t skip adding fresh orange zest.
  • To shortcut, use frozen popcorn chicken and toss it in the sauce to save prep time.