Best Asian Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe to Try

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, look no further than this amazing Asian Glazed Orange Chicken. This recipe brings together tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a glossy, vibrant orange sauce that delivers a refreshing citrus zing balanced with a satisfying depth of umami. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at dinner, Asian Glazed Orange Chicken is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s simple enough to whip up quickly yet impressive enough to enjoy any time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor Experience: The sauce perfectly balances sweet oranges with soy and ginger for a true Asian-inspired taste.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Perfectly Crispy Chicken: Lightly battered chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, providing great texture contrast.
• Versatile Meal: Goes great with rice, veggies, or noodles—making it easy to pair with whatever you have on hand.
• Family Favorite: The sweet and tangy glaze appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Asian Glazed Orange Chicken recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing essential flavor, texture, or color to the dish. From fresh oranges to simple pantry staples, these components work harmoniously to create a vibrant and irresistible glaze.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay moist better than breast meat when cooked crispy.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Provides the bright citrus flavor that defines the glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami note to balance the sweetness.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics that enhance the savory depth of the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to create a crisp coating on the chicken and thicken the sauce.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies the orange flavor without extra liquid.
• Green Onions or Scallions: Adds a fresh, mild bite when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Variations for Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s incredibly adaptable, meaning you can tweak flavors or ingredients without losing the essence of that irresistible Asian Glazed Orange Chicken experience.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch for dredging to keep it gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the glaze for extra heat.
• Healthier Version: Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter but still delicious dish.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead of chicken for a plant-based twist.
• Extra Citrus Layer: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice alongside the orange for a more complex citrus flavor.

How to Make Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss the pieces in cornstarch until they are fully coated, which will help create that coveted crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze

In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Mix a little cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the simmering orange glaze. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a shiny, smooth consistency that will beautifully coat the chicken.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the skillet with the thickened glaze. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

• Use Thigh Meat: It stays juicier and more flavorful than chicken breast, especially with high-heat cooking.
• Pat Dry Chicken: Before dredging in cornstarch, make sure chicken pieces are dry to achieve the crispiest crust.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch slurry quantity to your preferred glaze thickness—less for a thinner sauce, more for a syrupy finish.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh orange juice and zest instead of bottled for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to maintain temperature and prevent soggy results.

How to Serve Asian Glazed Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter thinly sliced green onions or scallions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of color and texture. A few orange slices alongside can amp up the citrus vibe even more.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the delicious glaze. Stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw will bring balance and freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Asian Glazed Orange Chicken in lettuce cups with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. It’s a deliciously fresh and interactive way to enjoy the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain flavor but store rice or sides separately for best results.

Freezing

Asian Glazed Orange Chicken freezes well. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to avoid drying out the chicken and keep the sauce glossy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but thighs tend to stay juicier and have more flavor when cooked this way.

Is the sauce very sweet?

The Asian Glazed Orange Chicken sauce balances sweetness with tang and savory notes, so it’s pleasantly sweet without being overpowering.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower and use tamari in place of soy sauce to keep it vegan-friendly and just as tasty.

What’s the best way to get crispy chicken without deep frying?

Pan-fry in enough oil to cover the bottom of your skillet and cook over medium-high heat, or bake at 425°F (220°C), turning halfway for crispiness without deep frying.

How should I adjust the spice level?

Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the glaze gradually until it reaches your preferred heat without overshadowing the orange flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Asian Glazed Orange Chicken that makes it such a fun and flavorful dish to prepare at home. With its crispy texture and beautifully balanced sauce, this recipe quickly becomes a favorite for sharing with family and friends—perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easy and rewarding it is to bring a taste of Asian cuisine into your kitchen!

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