Orange Chicken Bites Without Deep Frying
Cook orange chicken bites at home with supermarket chicken, fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a shallow skillet method.
takeout-style, chicken, family-friendly, rice-bowl
orange juice: 1/2 cup juice plus 1 tsp zest.
Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Toss with soy sauce and cornstarch until lightly coated.
Cook chicken in a hot skillet with oil until golden and cooked through. Work in batches if the pan is crowded.
Simmer orange juice, zest, vinegar, honey or sugar, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and slightly reduced.
Return chicken to the pan and toss until glossy. Finish with sesame seeds and green onion, then serve over rice.
Fresh oranges give the cleanest flavor, but bottled orange juice works if you add a little zest or extra vinegar.
Chicken thighs stay juicy; chicken breast works if cut evenly and not overcooked.
Use low-sodium soy sauce if cooking for children or anyone watching salt.
Use lemon juice plus a little extra sugar if oranges are unavailable.
Use tofu instead of chicken, pressing it well before coating with cornstarch.
Use maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar for the sweetener.
Orange juice and zest: Bottled orange juice, Clementine juice, Lemon juice with extra sugar. Fresh zest makes bottled juice taste brighter. If using lemon, start with less vinegar because lemon is sharper.
Chicken: Chicken thighs, Chicken breast, Pressed firm tofu. Thighs are juicier for beginners. Tofu should be pressed and dried before coating.
Honey or sugar: Brown sugar, Maple syrup, White sugar. Reduce sweetener if your orange juice is already very sweet.
Can I make orange chicken without deep frying?
Yes. A cornstarch coating and shallow skillet browning give enough texture for a practical home version.
Yes. Bottled juice works, especially if you add fresh orange zest or a small squeeze of lemon to brighten it.
No. It is mild by default. Add chili crisp or chili flakes at the table if adults want heat.