Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken brings together crispy golden chicken and a sticky, tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh orange juice, honey, and a hint of garlic. It’s a comforting dish that balances brightness and depth, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, tangy, and perfectly sticky glaze.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- No deep fryer required bake or pan-sear instead.
- Delicious with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Optional Swaps: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or maple syrup instead of honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; cook chicken until lightly browned on all sides.
- In a saucepan, whisk orange juice, zest, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Simmer the mixture for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add chicken to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the sweet orange glaze.
- Serve warm and sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles or quinoa bowls
- Chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade
Quick Tips or Variations
- Healthier option: Air fry or bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Spicy twist: Add red chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
- Meal prep: Double the sauce it keeps beautifully for leftovers.
FAQs
1. What is Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken made of?
It’s made with tender chicken pieces coated in a bright glaze of orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sweet-tangy balance.
2. Can I make Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken without deep frying?
Yes! Pan-searing or baking the chicken works beautifully and keeps the texture crisp without extra oil.
3. What can I serve with Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
4. How do I store and reheat Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the glaze.
Conclusion
This Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With its glossy sauce and irresistible aroma, it’s the perfect dish to brighten any meal simple, comforting, and wonderfully citrusy.
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Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken with citrus-honey sauce in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken breast
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp ginger
Salt, pepper, sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Toss chicken with cornstarch and seasoning.
2. Pan-sear until golden.
3. Whisk sauce ingredients in saucepan and simmer.
4. Add chicken, coat in glaze.
5. Serve hot with rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
Air fry or bake for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for spice.
Double the sauce for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired





