Name: 6-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: Asian

OnlineCook Verified

April 29, 2025

10 Ingredients

EASY

This crispy, sweet, and tangy restaurant classic comes together quickly, so have all of your ingredients ready to go before you begin cooking. Though a wok might be traditional, a large saute pan works just as well because there is plenty of surface area in contact with the heat for browning meat and reducing sauces. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Julia Lee.

From the Cook

1/2

6-Ingredient Orange Chicken

OnlineCook Verified

Ingredients

Servings

WarningWheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Combine the chicken, salt, and cornstarch in a medium bowl and set aside while you prepare other ingredients.

Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Zest and juice the orange, and combine in a separate small bowl. Thinly slice the green onions on the diagonal and set aside for serving.

Set a dry, large, heavy-bottomed saute pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil, swirling to coat the bottom. Add the chicken and spread pieces into a single layer. Cook until well browned on underside, 2-3 minutes. Turn pieces over and cook until browned on second side, 2-3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl.

Reduce heat to medium and add the vinegar-sugar mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then cook until thickened slightly, about 30 seconds. Add the zest and juice and return chicken to pan. Cook, stirring well, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Sprinkle chicken with the reserved green onions and serve immediately.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Cornstarch Coating Technique 🥄
Pat chicken thighs completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure a crispy, even golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
Zest Intensity Hack 🍊
Microplane your orange zest to create ultra-fine, fragrant zest that distributes more evenly and intensifies the citrus flavor throughout the dish.
Sauce Reduction Magic 🥢
When reducing the orange sauce, use a wide pan to maximize surface area and create a glossy, concentrated glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Oil Temperature Control 🌡️
Use a digital thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F for optimal chicken frying - this ensures a crisp exterior without absorbing excess oil.
Green Onion Pro Tip 🌱
Slice green onions on a sharp diagonal to create elegant, thin cuts that not only look professional but also distribute more evenly across the dish.