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Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 468 reviews

This vibrant Orange Chicken Stir Fry features tender, crispy chicken chunks coated in a flavorful orange glaze. Combining juicy chicken thighs or breasts with a zesty sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and aromatic spices, this recipe comes together perfectly whether air-fried or baked. Finished by stir-frying with sautéed vegetables in a luscious, thickened orange sauce, it’s a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1 inch chunks)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4–1/2 cup all-purpose flour (enough to fully coat the chicken)
  • Cooking oil for spraying and frying

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup sweetener or sugar
  • 1/3 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Vegetables (optional for stir fry)

  • Vegetables of choice for sautéing (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)

Instructions

  1. Season and coat the chicken: Season the chicken chunks evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then, coat each piece thoroughly with flour to ensure a crispy exterior when cooked.
  2. Prepare the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces inside the basket, then spray the chicken lightly with oil as well.
  3. Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Check for white flour spots and spray those areas with oil. Continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and crisp.
  4. Bake the chicken (alternative method): Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray with cooking oil. Bake for 10 minutes, flip each piece, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp and cooked through. Spray flour white spots with oil during baking as needed.
  5. Sauté the vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add a bit of oil if needed, then sauté your chosen vegetables until they become soft and fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Prepare the orange sauce: In the same skillet, combine the sweetener or sugar, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, orange zest, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers, allowing the orange zest to infuse the sauce.
  7. Create the slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly to create a smooth slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
  8. Thicken the sauce: Slowly add the slurry to the orange sauce while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to cook for a few minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
  9. Combine chicken and vegetables: Return the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the thickened orange sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and heat through.
  10. Serve: Serve the orange chicken stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs offer more juiciness.
  • Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amount of orange juice and sweetener.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce texture, strain out the orange zest after simmering.
  • Vegetables are optional but add freshness and crunch; choose favorites like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer or oven model; always check for doneness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and check soy sauce labels for gluten content.

Keywords: orange chicken, stir fry, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken, orange sauce, Asian-inspired chicken, quick dinner

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/orange-chicken-stir-fry-recipe/