Glazed Orange Chicken

$- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 1/4 cup cold water - 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) To make glazed orange chicken, gather these simple ingredients. Start with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and absorb flavors better. Next, you'll need 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Fresh juice adds a bright taste. Don't forget the zest of 1 large orange. The zest brings a nice aroma and extra orange flavor. For seasoning, you'll want 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. This gives the dish a savory depth. Add 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Honey balances the tartness of the orange juice perfectly. Use 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty touch. You'll also need 2 cloves of minced garlic for a strong flavor. Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for warmth. For thickening the glaze, gather 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water. This mix makes the glaze stick to the chicken. Finally, to serve, have 2 green onions and sesame seeds ready for garnish. They add color and crunch to your dish. With these ingredients, you are all set to create a delicious meal. To start, combine the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. You will need: - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger Whisk these together until smooth. It's key to reserve about 1/4 cup of this mix for glazing later. This step gives your dish a great burst of flavor and a shiny finish. Next, marinate the chicken. Place 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large zipper-lock bag or a shallow bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra liquid drip off. Add the chicken to the hot pan. Sear it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze. Use the reserved marinade in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. In another bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Slowly add this to the simmering marinade. Stir constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes. This thickens the sauce nicely. Finally, glaze the chicken. Once it’s fully cooked, pour the thickened glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece evenly. Let it cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes, so the glaze sets. For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful meal! To get the most flavor, use a large zipper-lock bag or a shallow bowl. This way, the chicken gets coated well. Pour in the marinade and seal the bag tight. Shake it gently to spread the mix. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is best. Longer time means more flavor. Cooking over medium-high heat is key. It allows the chicken to brown nicely. This method seals in the juices. When you cook the chicken right, it stays tender. Make sure to stir it often. This keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly. Serve your glazed orange chicken over rice or quinoa. These sides soak up the tasty sauce. Steamed veggies add color and nutrition. For a fun look, stack the chicken high on the plate. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top for a nice finish. {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the protein, use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast has less fat and cooks faster. For a vegetarian option, try tofu. Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove extra water. For low-sodium soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos. It gives a similar flavor but with less salt. If you want more depth, try using tamari. It is gluten-free and has a rich taste. To boost flavor, add spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper. These spices give a nice kick. You can also try using lime or lemon juice. The tartness adds extra zing to the glaze. If you want a sweeter glaze, use maple syrup or agave nectar. These options provide unique flavors that blend well with the orange. To make this dish healthier, consider using a low-sugar honey. Brands like Stevia or monk fruit honey can work well. These have less sugar but still taste great. For more color and nutrition, add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can stir-fry them with the chicken or serve them on the side. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal. To keep your glazed orange chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down first. This helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps the chicken tender. I recommend using glass containers. They are sturdy and help keep flavors intact. Store the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to freeze the glazed chicken, follow these steps: 1. Allow the chicken to cool completely after cooking. 2. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. 3. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. 4. Label the bag with the date. 5. Store the chicken in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, move the chicken to the fridge for overnight thawing. To reheat the glazed chicken without drying it out, use one of these methods: - Stovetop: Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. - Microwave: Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, checking every minute until warm. Aim for a temperature of 165°F for safe eating. Enjoy your meal! You can serve this dish with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Fried rice with veggies - Quinoa cooked in broth - Stir-fried broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad with citrus dressing These sides enhance the flavors of the chicken and add balance to your meal. Yes, you can use other proteins. Here are some options: - Chicken breast: Cook for about 7-10 minutes. - Shrimp: Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink. - Tofu: Use firm tofu, cook for 5-7 minutes. These alternatives will still absorb the tasty orange glaze. You can check doneness without a meat thermometer. Look for these signs: - The chicken is golden brown on the outside. - The juices run clear when you cut into it. - The inside is no longer pink. These tips help ensure your chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. - Cook the chicken and let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. - Keep cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. These steps save time for busy days and help you enjoy this dish later. This blog post covered the key steps to making glazed orange chicken. We talked about gathering simple ingredients, marinating the chicken, cooking techniques, and plating for a great presentation. You learned tips for enhancing flavor and ensuring juiciness. As you try this recipe, remember it allows for creativity and adaptability. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to explore variations or healthy options. You will impress everyone with your tasty dish!$

Try this mouthwatering Zesty Glazed Orange Chicken recipe that's bursting with flavor! Using simple ingredients like juicy orange juice, soy sauce, and honey, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Marinate, sear, and glaze for a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Zest of 1 large orange

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 cup cold water

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk thoroughly until well blended. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture to use as a glaze later.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken thighs in a large zipper-lock bag or a shallow bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, up to 2 hours to maximize flavor absorption.

Cook the Chicken: After marinating, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drain off.

Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is searing, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth, then slowly add this mixture to the simmering marinade. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, pour the thickened glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece evenly with the vibrant orange glaze.

Final Touches: Allow the chicken to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, enabling the glaze to set slightly before removing the skillet from the heat.

Serve: Serve the glazed orange chicken hot. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal, and add a colorful array of steamed vegetables for a vibrant plate. Enjoy!