Quick & Zesty Orange Chicken Skillet
This Quick & Zesty Orange Chicken Skillet is a delightful homage to the popular dish from Panda Express, crafted with convenience and flavor in mind. Instead of the traditional batter and frying, this easy one-pan recipe focuses on tender cubed chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, tangy orange sauce that's both sweet and savory. Packed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili, it's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve this vibrant dish over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a taste of takeout without the hassle of deep frying or complex cleanup. Adjust the sauce to your liking for a personalized touch, and savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (cut into 2-inch cubes)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (none)
crushed hot red chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh black pepper
to taste (none)
soy sauce
6 tablespoons (none)
water
1 cup plus 1/4 cup (optional) (for cooking and optional thickening)
sugar
1 cup (none)
apple cider vinegar
1 cup (none)
orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ginger
1 teaspoon (fresh, grated or powdered)
tamari soy sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
cornstarch
2 tablespoons (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or pan, combine garlic powder, crushed hot red chili pepper flakes, fresh black pepper, soy sauce, water, sugar, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, ginger, tamari soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until well mixed.
2
Place the cubed chicken breasts into the pan, ensuring they are coated in the sauce mixture.
3
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes.
4
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in the optional 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Once the chicken is cooked, add this mixture to the skillet while stirring continuously.
5
Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6
Remove from heat and serve the zesty orange chicken immediately over cooked rice. Enjoy the flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick & Zesty Orange Chicken Skillet?
It is a one-pan, easy-to-make recipe that pays homage to Panda Express orange chicken but without the deep-frying or heavy batter.
Is this orange chicken recipe healthy?
Compared to traditional fried versions, this skillet recipe is lighter as it uses tender cubed chicken breasts simmered in a sauce rather than battered and deep-fried pieces.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink in the center.
What ingredients make up the orange sauce?
The sauce consists of garlic powder, red chili flakes, black pepper, soy sauce, water, sugar, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, ginger, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce.
How do I thicken the orange chicken sauce?
To thicken the sauce, dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of crushed hot red chili pepper flakes, which provides a hint of heat, but you can adjust this amount to your preference.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 2-inch cubes.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the zesty orange sauce.
Can I use fresh ginger or powdered ginger?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 teaspoon of either fresh grated ginger or powdered ginger.
Does this recipe use real orange juice?
This specific recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of orange zest to provide a concentrated citrus flavor alongside the vinegar and sugar.
Is the cornstarch mandatory?
No, the cornstarch is optional and only necessary if you prefer a thicker, glossier sauce.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to provide the signature tang.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional cornstarch and water for thickening.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe uses both soy sauce and tamari; to make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari and replace the standard soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the 1 cup of sugar to your liking if you prefer a less sweet or more savory profile.
What is the preparation method for the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into 2-inch cubes before being added to the sauce mixture in the skillet.
How much garlic powder do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of garlic powder to provide a strong savory base.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, it is quick to make and stores well, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No marinating is required; the chicken cooks directly in the sauce mixture to absorb the flavors.
What is the primary cooking vessel for this recipe?
A large skillet or pan is used to combine all ingredients and cook the chicken.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is the sauce stirred before adding chicken?
Yes, you should combine and stir the sauce ingredients in the skillet before adding the chicken cubes.
What is the heat setting for cooking?
The mixture should be heated over medium-high heat.
How long does the sauce take to thicken once cornstarch is added?
It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes of additional cooking to reach the desired consistency.
How much water is used in the sauce?
1 cup of water is used in the main sauce, with an optional 1/4 cup used for the cornstarch slurry.
Is there any fresh pepper in the recipe?
Yes, fresh black pepper is added to taste.
Can I make this dish in one pan?
Yes, this is a true one-pan meal, which simplifies the cleanup process significantly.
What makes the sauce 'zesty'?
The combination of apple cider vinegar, orange zest, ginger, and red chili flakes creates the signature zesty and tangy profile.
Does this recipe include soy sauce?
Yes, it uses 6 tablespoons of regular soy sauce and an additional 2 tablespoons of tamari soy sauce.