Go Back
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Sticky orange chicken starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken thighs give a rich, juicy bite. The orange juice adds a bright and tangy flavor. Soy sauce brings a deep umami taste. Honey sweetens the dish and helps it stick. Garlic and ginger add warmth and aroma. For the sauce, a cornstarch slurry thickens it just right. Sesame oil gives a nutty note. If you like spice, add chili flakes for heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch. You can find the full recipe to get all the details needed to make this delicious dish. Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil Once mixed well, add the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This step is key for flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it cooked through and lightly caramelized. After that, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the reserved marinade. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will help deepen the flavors. Now it’s time to thicken the sauce. Stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Keep cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly until the sauce reaches that sticky consistency. This is where your sticky orange chicken gets its name. For full details on the ingredients and prep time, check the Full Recipe. To make your sticky orange chicken shine, coat the chicken well in the marinade. This step ensures maximum flavor. When you add the chicken, use your hands or a spoon to mix it in. For the best taste, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, aim for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will soak in. To get the right sauce thickness, keep an eye on it as it cooks. If it seems too thin, let it simmer longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more orange juice. Balancing sweet and savory is key. Taste your sauce and adjust as needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness. Sticky orange chicken pairs well with white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the sauce nicely. You might also try it with steamed veggies for color and crunch. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken in a shallow bowl over rice. Drizzle extra sauce on top, and add green onions and sesame seeds. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in sticky orange chicken. Instead of chicken thighs, try using chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings its own taste and texture. If you want a lighter dish, fish like salmon works well too. For a fruity twist, use different juices. Pineapple juice adds a tropical flair. Apple juice provides a sweet touch, while lime juice gives a zesty kick. Each juice changes the flavor in a fun way. To make this dish gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the same savory taste without gluten. Check your honey to ensure it’s pure, as some brands may contain additives. For vegetarian options, swap chicken for cauliflower or chickpeas. Both options absorb the flavors well. You can still enjoy all the great taste with these swaps. If you like heat, add more chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies. You can also try sriracha or chili paste for extra spice. Mix in these ingredients while cooking for the best flavor. For a milder version, reduce or skip the chili flakes. Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots. These veggies balance the flavors and are kid-friendly. After cooking, you can store your sticky orange chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Your leftovers last about three to four days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture buildup. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Sticky orange chicken can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have two good options: the microwave or the stovetop. - Microwave: This is quick and easy. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep it moist. - Stovetop: This way helps maintain the texture and flavor. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Cook until it's hot, stirring often. Both methods work well, but the stovetop keeps the sticky sauce nice and thick. To add heat to your Sticky Orange Chicken, use chili flakes. You can add them while cooking. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. For a stronger kick, consider fresh chopped chili peppers. These can add a nice crunch too. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will work well in this recipe. However, thighs have more fat, which makes them juicier. If you choose breasts, be careful not to overcook them. This will keep them tender and juicy. Sticky Orange Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Noodles - Salad with a light dressing These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavor of the chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing it. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. Reheat Sticky Orange Chicken on the stove for best results. Use low heat and stir often. This will keep it from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overheating. For the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post covered how to make Sticky Orange Chicken with simple steps and tasty tips. We discussed key ingredients, marinating, cooking, and thickening the sauce. I shared storage info, variations, and answers to common questions. Try this recipe for a fun dinner or gathering. It’s tasty and easy to adjust! Enjoy making it your own and impressing your friends with your cooking skills. Stick to these steps for a dish that’s sure to please.

Sticky Orange Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of sticky orange chicken with this easy recipe! Marinate tender chicken thighs in a zesty orange sauce, then sauté to perfection for a deliciously sticky finish. Perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game?
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Steamed rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until thoroughly combined.

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (reserve the marinade) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized.

        Reduce the heat to medium, then add the reserved marinade to the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.

          Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches a sticky consistency.

            If desired, add chili flakes for a spicy kick, and mix well.

              Serve the sticky orange chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

                - Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Serve the sticky orange chicken in a shallow bowl atop a bed of steamed rice, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken. Add a lime wedge on the side for a pop of color and a squeeze of freshness if desired.