ZESTY ORANGE CHICKEN

LEEZA JOHAN

Oh, honey, are you ready to add some zest to your weeknight dinner? This isn't just any chicken—it's a burst of sunshine on a plate. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you've got your life together, even if you've been running on dry shampoo and coffee all day.

This recipe is simple, but don't let that fool you. The secret is in the sauce. It's tangy, sweet, and just a little bit sassy, thanks to that fresh orange juice and a hint of ginger. You'll be using every last drop.

Let's get cooking, LEEZA JOHAN.

                                                ZESTY ORANGE CHICKEN

Zesty Orange Chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (you can use bottled, but fresh is just so much better!)

  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is fine!)

  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water

For Garnishing:

  • Sesame seeds

  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. First things first, let's get our chicken prepped. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add your chicken pieces and toss them until they're all nicely coated. Every piece should be covered in that delicious spice mixture!

  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add your coated chicken in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan, or your chicken won't get that gorgeous golden-brown sear. You might need to do this in two batches. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully crispy.

  3. While the chicken is cooking, let's make that glorious sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling a little spicy!).

  4. Once all the chicken is cooked, set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium and pour your sauce mixture into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any of those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

  5. In a small cup, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. This is our little secret for a thick, glossy sauce. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Watch it transform—it should thicken up in just about a minute.

  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it gently until every piece is coated in that heavenly orange glaze.

  7. Serve it immediately over fluffy rice or with some steamed broccoli. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and those pretty chives or green onions.

There you have it—a meal that looks and tastes like you spent all afternoon on it, when in reality, it was done in under 30 minutes. You go, girl!

Comments

Post a Comment