Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by prepping your chicken. In a gallon-sized ziplock bag, add the chicken breast fillets that you’ve cut into cubes along with the flour. Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until the chicken is well-coated in the flour. This step ensures a nice crispy texture when cooked. Once coated, remove the chicken from the bag and shake off any excess flour.
- Next, heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken cubes to the skillet. Cook them until they are lightly golden on all sides, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches. It's important to get that nice golden color to enhance the flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Carefully drain any remaining oil from the skillet so that the sauce can be added without being overly greasy.
- Now, let's focus on the sauce! Zest the oranges directly into a mixing bowl. After zesting, cut the oranges in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl, ensuring to discard any seeds that may fall in. The zest adds an incredible aromatic quality to the sauce!
- Next, add the barbecue sauce and lite soy sauce to the mixing bowl with the orange juice and zest. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This will create a luscious sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss everything together to ensure that each piece is coated. Let it cook on medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. You'll know it's ready when it bubbles slightly and clings to the chicken.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a serving platter. This is where you can make it look extra appealing by garnishing with sliced green onions if desired. The vibrant green adds a lovely contrast to the dish.
- Finally, don’t forget to add the remaining sauce from the skillet to a bowl and serve it alongside the chicken. This way, everyone can drizzle more sauce onto their servings as they like!
Notes
Complement orange chicken with one of these delicious sides:
- Fried Rice: A classic pairing that complements the flavors perfectly. You can make a quick fried rice with leftover rice, peas, and carrots for a filling side.
- Steamed Broccoli: For a pop of color and nutrition, serve the chicken alongside steamed broccoli. Its slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the dish.
- Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Spring Rolls: If you’re hosting a dinner, consider serving spring rolls as an appetizer. They’re light and full of flavor!
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or even meal-prepping for the week ahead. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!