Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bite-sized chicken pieces fried to golden perfection, coated in a tangy and fragrant orange glaze with fresh ginger and soy. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 30 minutes pairs cornstarch, for frying vegetable oil, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 500g cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs in 1/2 cup cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using.
  4. Step 4: Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tbsp. Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
  5. Step 5: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and toss to coat completely with the glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Serve garnished with 2 chopped scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisped Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Chinese chinese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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