Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Whip up this flavorful and easy Orange Chicken Stir Fry the next time you are in the mood for take out! Crispy, juicy chicken pieces are coated in a tangy orange sauce, paired with crisp veggies, and can be served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love!

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

How it Tastes

• Sweet: Orange chicken gets its sweetness primarily from orange juice and sweetener or sugar in the sauce. This sweetness balances the tanginess of the orange and soy sauce.
• Tangy: The tangy flavor comes from the combination of fresh orange juice, zest, and rice vinegar. It adds brightness and depth to the dish.
• Savory: Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger provide the savory umami flavor. These ingredients create a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the sweetness and tanginess.
• Citrus: Oranges are the star ingredient, providing a refreshing citrus flavor that adds a unique twist.

Key Sauce Ingredients

• Fresh Oranges
• Sweetener or Sugar
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame Oil (Optional, but it’s my star ingredient for immense flavor)
• Rice Wine Vinegar
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Cornstarch and Water to thicken the sauce

What Type of Chicken to Use

You’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and will result in a slightly firmer texture. They are a popular choice if you prefer a lighter option.

Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. They tend to stay moist during cooking, making them a great choice if you want tender and succulent pieces.

Either option works well depending on your preference for texture and flavor.

What Type of Vegetables to Use

I like to use Trader Joe’s Asian Vegetable Stir fry. It’s affordable and saves me a lot of time without the need to slice and dice vegetables. The key is to balance a variety of textures and flavors. Feel free to mix and match these vegetables based on your personal preferences.

You can also use whatever leftover veggies you have in the fridge that will go bad soon or experiment with other seasonal or favorite veggies you have on hand.

Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas, water chestnuts, and carrots will work well.

How to Make Orange Chicken Stir Fry

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Season the chicken with the spices and then coat each piece with flour. Bake or air fry.
2. Place a skillet on the stove at medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and sautee until soft and fragrant.
3. Add in the orange sauce ingredients. Stir to combine.
4. Combine cornstarch and water in a bowl and stir well to fully incorporate. This will create a slurry to thicken the sauce.
5. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture. Stir.
6. Add the chicken and vegetables to the sauce and serve.

Crispy Breaded Chicken vs Seared

Most orange chicken you find in a restaurant is made with crispy breaded chicken. If you don’t want breaded chicken, that’s easy to accomplish. You won’t need to bread the chicken with flour. Instead you can sear the chicken in the pan before you cook the vegetables.

How to Prevent Watery Sauce

Either cornstarch or flour can be used to thicken the sauce. Cornstarch creates a clear, glossy sauce. It thickens quickly and effectively, usually requiring less time to cook than flour. It will have a slightly more “gel-like” texture when thickening sauces compared to flour.

Flour can withstand longer cooking times without breaking down, making it suitable for dishes that require extended simmering or baking like gravy, stews, or soups. It requires more heat and cooking time to reach its full thickening potential compared to cornstarch.

Whichever ingredient you choose to use, be sure to mix it well and fully incorporate it with water. If you don’t mix it well you will notice white clumps in your sauce.

It is also crucial to stir the sauce continuously once you’ve added the thickening agent to the sauce to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening. Thickening may take a few minutes, so be patient and allow the sauce to simmer gently while stirring.

Substitutions and Ideas for Add-Ins

• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Sesame Seeds
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Red Onions
• Carrots
• Bell Peppers
• Zucchini
• Green Onions
• Peanuts
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Pineapple
• Cilantro

How to Make it Spicy

I am always a fan of making a dish spicy! You can add cayenne pepper to your chicken or the sauce (even both) to amplify the flavor and add a kick.

How to Store

You can store the dish tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

There are few things to think about when you reheat the dish. If you have crispy chicken and you want to serve it crisp, then you will need to reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until crisp and warm.

You can reheat leftover sauce and vegetables in the air fryer or oven as well, along with in the microwave or on the stove.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze the dish tightly covered and sealed in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Pair With These Recipes

Chipotle Rice Recipe
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Air Fryer Garlic Bread