🍊 Orange Chicken — Better Than Takeout, Sweet & Savory Perfection!
If you love the famous orange chicken from Panda Express, this homemade version is even fresher, healthier, and packed with bold citrus flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce made with real orange juice, garlic, and honey. Perfect for a quick family dinner or an impressive meal that tastes like restaurant-quality food at home!
This easy orange chicken recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Sweet, tangy, and savory flavor balance
✔ Made with fresh orange juice for real citrus taste
✔ Tender, juicy chicken with glossy sauce
✔ Easy weeknight dinner recipe
✔ Better than takeout and healthier
✔ Perfect with rice or noodles
🍗 Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 800 grams), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Chopped chives, for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
🍳 Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove excess liquid if needed.
🍊 Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a bowl, combine:
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Minced garlic
- Honey
- Soy sauce
Mix well until fully combined.
🥄 Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the orange mixture into the pan with the cooked chicken. Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes so the flavors blend.
✨ Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour into the pan and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped chives on top, and serve hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This orange chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein or noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Jasmine rice or brown rice
💡 Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken
✅ Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor
✅ Don’t overcook the chicken — keep it juicy and tender
✅ Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
✅ Adjust honey for more or less sweetness
✅ For crispy chicken, lightly coat chicken in cornstarch before frying
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave until hot
❤️ Final Thoughts
This homemade orange chicken is the perfect combination of sweet citrus flavor and savory goodness. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Once you try this recipe, you may never order takeout again!
If you want, I can also help you make this crispy restaurant-style, air fryer version, or healthy low-calorie orange chicken.