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Orange Chicken Skillet

Orange chicken skillet recipe in cast iron pan with glossy sauce and garnishes

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A quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers all the sweet, tangy, and sticky flavor of your favorite takeout. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution that feels like a treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable)
  • 0.75 cup orange juice
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 0.25 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Extra orange zest, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch, garlic powder, and black pepper until coated.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet over medium heat, add orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk well, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until thickened into a glossy glaze, about 1 minute.
  5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  6. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a great sear, do not crowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to hot sauce to prevent lumps. Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but 1 tsp ground ginger can substitute for fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

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