Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

This orange chicken stir-fry recipe is a delicious, zesty, and quick dish that will become a family favorite. The fresh orange juice adds a wonderful citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces. Here’s how you can make this delightful meal at home:

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large oranges (for juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 carrots, julienned
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking.
   • Squeeze the juice from two large oranges and zest one of them. Set the juice and zest aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well to create the marinade.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion and bell pepper, julienne the carrots, and cut the broccoli into small florets.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
   • Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add them to the skillet.
   • Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
   • Add the broccoli florets and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Create the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry.
   • Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the vegetables.
   • Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
8. Serve:
   • Serve the orange chicken stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles.
   • Enjoy this flavorful and vibrant dish with your family.

Tips and Variations:

• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety.
• Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy version.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Detailed Steps:

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
   • Gather all the ingredients and ensure you have fresh chicken breasts, oranges, and vegetables.
   • Chop the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
   • The marinade is crucial for infusing the chicken with the citrusy flavor. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes, but for more intense flavor, marinate it for up to an hour.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
   • Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This step helps in getting a nice sear on the chicken pieces.
   • Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
   • Stir-frying the vegetables in the same skillet adds more flavor to the dish as they absorb the leftover bits from cooking the chicken.
   • Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to retain their color and crunch.
5. Making the Sauce:
   • The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that coats the chicken and vegetables well.
   • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.
6. Combining Everything:
   • Toss the chicken back into the skillet and ensure everything is well coated with the sauce.
   • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

This orange chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. The fresh orange juice and zest add a delightful citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish with your loved ones!