If you’re in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than this 5 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a homemade version of the popular takeout dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those who love the tangy and sweet flavors of orange chicken but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
Forget about complicated recipes with a long list of ingredients. This easy orange chicken recipe uses only five ingredients, making it perfect for those who want a simple yet delicious meal. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy cooking skills to whip up this flavorful dish.
Key Takeaways:
- Create a homemade version of the popular takeout dish with just five ingredients.
- This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of orange chicken from the comfort of your own home.
- Minimal preparation and cooking time make this recipe perfect for busy individuals.
- No fancy cooking skills required – anyone can make this delicious dish.
A Simple and Delicious Dish
If you’re a beginner in the kitchen or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, this simple orange chicken recipe is perfect for you. With its minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s the ultimate dish for anyone seeking maximum taste with minimal effort.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time. Even though it requires minimal ingredients, it doesn’t compromise on taste. The combination of tangy orange sauce and tender chicken creates a delightful harmony that will satisfy your taste buds.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Preparing this orange chicken recipe is a breeze. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps to create a delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
- Step 1: Gather the ingredients – chicken, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water and then add it to the saucepan. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Cook the chicken in a separate pan until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
- Step 6: Serve your simple orange chicken and enjoy!
This recipe can be easily customized to your liking. If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
“This simple orange chicken recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy meal.”
With its unbeatable combination of simplicity and deliciousness, this minimal ingredient orange chicken recipe is a go-to for those seeking a hassle-free cooking experience without compromising on flavor.
Using Shortcuts for Convenience
When it comes to making delicious orange chicken with few ingredients, taking shortcuts can be a game-changer. This recipe cuts down on prep time and streamlines the cooking process, making it a convenient option for busy days. Instead of breading and baking chicken, we use frozen popcorn chicken as a quick and easy shortcut.
By using this simple and effective shortcut, you can skip the extra steps and still enjoy a flavorful and satisfying orange chicken dish. With just five ingredients, including the frozen popcorn chicken, you can create a delicious meal without a lot of hassle. It’s perfect for those times when you want a tasty homemade dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
With this shortcut, you can have a mouthwatering orange chicken recipe with only 5 ingredients. It’s a great option for those who are short on time or prefer a simplified approach to cooking. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor, and no one will know that you took a shortcut to make it.
The Perfect Comfort Food
This homemade orange chicken is the perfect comfort food. It’s a simple recipe that is sure to satisfy your craving for takeout. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this orange chicken recipe is sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that brings all the comfort of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen, then this homemade orange chicken is the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to make this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken pieces and stir to coat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish the orange chicken with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve the homemade orange chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite noodles.
This easy homemade orange chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. The flavors are vibrant and the dish is incredibly satisfying. Plus, you can easily customize it to your taste by adjusting the sweetness or adding a touch of spice. It’s a versatile recipe that never fails to impress.
“This homemade orange chicken is like a warm hug on a plate. The crispy chicken combined with the sticky and flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. It’s definitely a recipe that brings comfort and joy to your dining table.” – Chef Amanda Thompson
Variations and Tips:
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations and tips:
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Simply coat the chicken pieces with a little oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some minced ginger to the sauce mixture. This will give the orange chicken a subtle spicy twist.
- If you want to make it a complete meal, you can add some steamed broccoli or snap peas to the skillet along with the sauce. This will add some freshness and crunch to the dish.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 25g | 8g | 35g |
Quick and Easy Preparation
This orange chicken recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in no time. The steps are simple and straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free meal.
First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Now, let’s get started!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until well combined. This will be the flavorful sauce for your orange chicken.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces | Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl to make the sauce. |
| 1/2 cup of orange juice | Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. |
| 1/4 cup of soy sauce | Add chicken to skillet and cook until browned on all sides. |
| 2 tablespoons of honey | Pour sauce over chicken in skillet and stir to coat evenly. |
| 1 tablespoon of cornstarch | Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened. |
| 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil | Remove skillet from heat and let chicken rest for a few minutes. |
| Optional garnishes: sliced green onions and sesame seeds | Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. |
This quick orange chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a tasty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The minimal ingredients and simple steps make it a great option for beginners or anyone in need of a quick and delicious dish.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the great things about this orange chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and preferences.
If you want to add some heat, you can sprinkle on some red pepper flakes. The spiciness will kick up the flavor and add a little zing to your dish.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of sauce you use. By reducing the sauce, you’ll keep the dish lighter and less tangy.
The minimal ingredients allow for flexibility and creativity in the kitchen. You can experiment with different flavors and add your own twist to the recipe. Whether you’re a fan of extra spice or prefer a subtler taste, this orange chicken recipe can easily accommodate your preferences.
Make It Your Own
To make this orange chicken recipe truly your own, try incorporating these variations:
- Add some veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas alongside the chicken for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Switch up the proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian twist on the classic dish.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of the regular soy sauce to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can tailor this minimal ingredient orange chicken recipe to your liking and create a dish that suits your unique taste buds.
“I love how customizable this orange chicken recipe is. I’m a spice lover, so I always add extra chili flakes to give it some heat. It’s the perfect dish to showcase your personal preferences!” – Samantha
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This orange chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. With its minimal ingredient list and easy preparation, you can quickly whip up a batch and have it ready for future meals. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is a convenient and tasty choice.
By doubling or tripling the recipe, you can easily serve more people without much additional effort. And if you’re cooking for fewer people, simply cut the recipe in half to avoid any food waste. The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your specific needs.
One of the great things about this orange chicken is that it reheats well, making it a delicious option for leftovers. Simply store any extra portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them for lunch or dinner the next day. Whether you heat it in the microwave, oven, or stovetop, the flavors will still remain intact, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Not only does this recipe lend itself well to meal prep and leftovers, but it also saves you time and effort in the kitchen. By preparing a larger batch of this delicious orange chicken, you can have ready-made meals throughout the week, reducing the need for frequent cooking. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals or families who are always on the go.
Tips for Meal Prepping:
- Divide the prepared orange chicken into individual meal containers for easier portion control.
- Cook a side of rice or noodles ahead of time to accompany the orange chicken.
- Add some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Label and date the containers to keep track of when they were prepared.
Meal prepping with this minimal ingredient orange chicken recipe can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. With the promise of a delicious homemade meal whenever you need it, you can enjoy the convenience and flavors of this orange chicken recipe without compromising on taste or quality.
| Benefits of Meal Prep and Leftovers: |
|---|
| Easier meal planning |
| Saves time and effort |
| Reduces food waste |
| Cost-effective |
| Convenient for busy schedules |
“Meal prepping has been a game-changer for me. With this orange chicken recipe, I can have delicious and nutritious meals ready to go, even on my busiest days!”
– Anne, busy working professional
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make this orange chicken recipe even better.
- Fancy it up: Add some sliced green onions or sesame seeds as garnishes to elevate the flavor and add a delightful texture.
- A touch of heat: If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce. It’ll give your orange chicken a fiery twist.
- Sauce prep ahead: To save time, you can prep the sauce ahead of cooking. Simply make the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
These simple tips and tricks will take your minimal ingredient orange chicken recipe to the next level of deliciousness.
| Tips and Tricks | |
|---|---|
| Fancy it up | Add sliced green onions or sesame seeds as garnishes for flavor and texture. |
| A touch of heat | Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick. |
| Sauce prep ahead | Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for added convenience. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 5 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe offers a quick, easy, and delicious option for homemade orange chicken. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy all the flavors of this popular takeout dish without ever leaving your house.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a mouthwatering dish that is bound to impress your taste buds.
So why wait? Give this 5 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe a try and treat yourself to a tasty meal in no time. You’ll be amazed at how such a minimal ingredient recipe can pack such incredible flavor. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade orange chicken!
FAQ
Is the 5 Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe easy to make?
Yes, this recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free meal.
What are the five ingredients needed for the orange chicken recipe?
The five ingredients needed for this recipe are frozen popcorn chicken, orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
Can I customize the orange chicken recipe to suit my taste?
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the amount of sauce or adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
How long does it take to cook the orange chicken?
The cooking time for this recipe is only 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for a homemade meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for convenience.
Is this orange chicken recipe suitable for meal prep and leftovers?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for a larger crowd or cut it in half for fewer servings. It also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.
Are there any tips or tricks to make this orange chicken recipe even better?
Yes, you can garnish the dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. If you like spiciness, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.