Looking for an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week? This sesame-orange chicken recipe is the answer.
With its irresistible combination of tangy orange zest, a hint of sweetness, and toasted sesame flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or treating yourself, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why This Easy Recipe Stands Out
This sesame-orange chicken is a classic take on a beloved favorite with a fresh twist. Unlike traditional takeout, it’s healthier, quick to prepare, and customizable.
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The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a balanced sauce that’s rich yet light. Plus, the pan-frying method offers a deliciously crispy coating without the need for deep frying.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and only 15 more to cook, you can have a gourmet-style meal on the table in half an hour. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a fast, satisfying dish.
Tips for Perfect Sesame-Orange Chicken
- Achieve Crispiness Without Deep Frying: Toss the chicken pieces in a light coating of flour before pan-frying. This step gives the chicken a golden, crispy texture without the extra oil.
- Balancing the Flavors: The zest and juice of fresh oranges bring natural brightness to the sauce, while soy sauce and hoisin add depth. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Pan-Frying Tips: Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking. Let the oil heat up properly before adding the chicken to avoid sticking.
Substitutions and Modifications
- Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with cauliflower florets. Simply toss them in the flour and soy sauce mixture before frying.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch.
- Low-Carb: Serve the chicken over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice instead of traditional white or brown rice.
These simple swaps make this recipe suitable for various dietary preferences while maintaining its signature flavor.
Meal Prep & Storage
This recipe is not only easy to make but also great for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better. For a quick reheating solution, use a skillet to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This sesame-orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. For a complete meal, add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
Top the dish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
If you’ve been searching for a simple yet show-stopping recipe, this sesame-orange chicken delivers. It’s easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and endlessly versatile.
So grab your skillet and enjoy a taste of something truly special tonight!
Easy Sesame-Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- Zest and juice of ½ orange
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white or brown rice
Variations:
- Shrimp Version: Substitute chicken with frozen shrimp thawed
- Vegetarian Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the flour, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame oil until combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly, which should take about 5–10 minutes. Stir in the chopped green onions.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken over steamed white or brown rice. Sprinkle with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.