20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken.
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful meal that pleases the whole family, look no further than this 20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken. With its sweet and tangy orange sauce, a kick of garlic, and a satisfying crunch, this dish transforms humble ground chicken into a vibrant dinner that’s ready in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines convenience with bold flavors, setting the stage for a delightful culinary experience.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Ground chicken cooks quickly, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal in just 20 minutes. The combination of orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, and honey creates a sweet and savory glaze that elevates the dish. Adding pickled ginger and chili paste brings a unique layer of flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. The crispy texture achieved through pan-frying gives it an appealing crunch, while the vibrant colors from the broccoli and green onions make it as visually enticing as it is delicious.
Gather These Ingredients
To make your 20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger, plus 1 tablespoon ginger juice
- 3-4 tablespoons chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Black pepper and chili flakes to taste
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds or peanuts
- 4 green onions, chopped
Equipment at a Glance
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
- Large skillet – for frying the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and mixing.
- Chopping board and knife – for dicing garlic and chopping broccoli.
- Small bowl – for mixing the sauce ingredients.
20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken. — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, honey, chopped pickled ginger, ginger juice, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and season with black pepper and chili flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Once the chicken is golden, add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped broccoli and stir well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle the arrowroot powder or cornstarch over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the salted butter until melted and well incorporated. Top with toasted sesame seeds or peanuts and chopped green onions for that extra crunch and freshness. Serve immediately!
Better Choices & Swaps
If you’re looking to make some substitutions or healthier choices, consider the following:
- Use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce for reduced salt content.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- Substitute ground turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Under or overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Sauce too thin: If the sauce isn’t thickening as expected, ensure you’re using enough arrowroot powder or cornstarch, and let it simmer longer.
- Too spicy: Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat preference, or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
- Overcooked broccoli: Add the broccoli towards the end to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
For any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To rewarm, simply heat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or extra orange juice to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick in the fridge.
Questions People Ask
Can I use chicken thighs instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! You can finely chop chicken thighs and follow the same cooking steps. Just ensure they’re cooked through before adding the sauce.
What can I serve with 20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You can also serve it alongside a simple salad for a refreshing balance.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and you’re all set!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the sauce ingredients a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before adding it to the chicken.
The Last Word
This 20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a time-saver for busy cooks. The combination of fresh ingredients and powerful flavors makes it a standout dish that can easily become a weeknight staple. With its crispy texture, tangy sauce, and vibrant colors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a delightful meal that comes together in no time. Happy cooking!
20 Minute Crispy Orange Garlic Chicken.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, honey, chopped pickled ginger, ginger juice, chili paste, and toasted sesame oil. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Heat the sesame oil (or olive oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and season with black pepper and chili flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is golden, add the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped broccoli and stir well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
- Sprinkle the arrowroot powder or cornstarch over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the salted butter until melted and well incorporated. Top with toasted sesame seeds or peanuts and chopped green onions for that extra crunch and freshness. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat; add a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
