Are you ready to whip up a fast, flavorful meal? My Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry is a winner! This dish combines juicy chicken with colorful veggies and a sweet orange sauce. It's simple and perfect for busy nights. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner that impresses everyone at your table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that you'll make again and again!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish combines the sweetness of orange with savory soy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will excite your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cooking time of only 30 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast meal.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures you get a variety of nutrients.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Additional Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Getting the right ingredients is key for this dish. First, you need fresh chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean protein that cooks well. Cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
Next, the colors of mixed bell peppers make this dish pop. Use red, yellow, and green for a vibrant look and taste. Broccoli adds crunch, and thinly sliced carrots bring sweetness. These vegetables cook quickly and keep their texture.
For the sauce, you need low-sodium soy sauce for saltiness without too much sodium. Fresh orange juice gives a bright, tangy flavor. Honey adds sweetness, and cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce.
Don’t forget garlic and ginger! They give a warm, fragrant base to the stir fry. Finally, have vegetable oil on hand for frying and cooked rice or noodles to serve this delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Orange Sauce
Start by whisking together the following ingredients in a small bowl:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix these well until smooth. This sauce will give your stir fry a bright and zesty flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip it often until it turns a golden brown color and is fully cooked. Once it's ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add 2 cups of mixed sliced bell peppers, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 thinly sliced carrot. Stir-fry these veggies for 3 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and colorful.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to combine. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and coats the chicken and veggies nicely.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Chicken Cook
To get the best flavor, cook your chicken until it turns golden brown. This step brings out a nice richness. The browning process adds depth to your dish. Keep an eye on the chicken and flip it often. This way, you avoid burning and ensure even cooking. Aim for a juicy inside and a crispy outside.
Vegetable Cooking Tips
When cooking vegetables, ensure they stay tender-crisp. This texture keeps your dish lively and colorful. Overcooking leads to mushy veggies, which can ruin the stir-fry. Stir-fry your vegetables for about three to five minutes. This will allow them to stay vibrant and crunchy. If you like a bit of char, increase the heat for a minute.
Elevating the Dish
To make your dish pop, consider garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These simple additions add flavor and a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes if you enjoy heat. A squeeze of fresh orange juice right before serving can brighten the flavors. Enjoy these tips to elevate your Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry!
Pro Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the soy sauce and orange juice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey or add a splash of maple syrup.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can easily change the protein in this dish. Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu works well if you want a plant-based option. It absorbs the sauce nicely. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet flavor. Both options keep the meal light and tasty.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with veggies. You can use snap peas or zucchini. Mushrooms add a nice umami taste. Cauliflower or green beans also work well. The goal is to keep the stir fry colorful and crunchy. Choose whatever vegetables you enjoy most.
Sauce Adjustments
Adjusting the sauce is simple and fun. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For a saltier kick, increase soy sauce a little. You can also add a splash of vinegar for tang. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, place the orange glazed chicken stir fry in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, I recommend using the stove. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until hot. You can also use a microwave. Place the stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it is hot all the way through.
Freezing Options
You can freeze orange glazed chicken stir fry. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the taste and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, using frozen vegetables is a convenient option. They save time and are easy to find. Just toss them in the skillet when you add the fresh veggies. Frozen veggies are often picked at their peak. This keeps the flavor and nutrients intact. They may cook a bit faster, so watch them closely.
What can I serve with Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry?
You can serve this dish with simple sides. Rice or noodles work very well. They soak up the yummy orange glaze. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. Try a light cucumber salad or a simple green salad. These sides balance the flavors and add more texture.
How long does Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry last in the fridge?
This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. When you reheat, make sure it’s hot all the way through. You can add a splash of water if it seems dry. This will help keep the glaze nice and saucy.
In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious Orange Glazed Chicken Stir Fry. I shared the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You can swap protein or vegetables to customize the dish. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. This recipe is simple, quick, and lets you enjoy a tasty meal at home. Try it out and enjoy your cooking journey!
