Easy Orange Chicken Skillet

Easy Orange Chicken Skillet (30 minutes!)

This recipe is a breeze for a weeknight dinner, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup unsweetened orange juice
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet (with the drippings!), whisk together the orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Thicken the Sauce (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or orange juice to make a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss with the orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the sweetness and spice level to your preference. You can use less marmalade or add a touch of honey if you prefer a less sweet sauce. Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• This recipe is easily customizable. Add chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or water chestnuts during the last minute of cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Orange Chicken Skillet!