Zesty Orange Ginger Chicken

$- 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless - 1 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons sesame oil The main flavors in this dish come from fresh orange juice and ginger. The chicken thighs bring moisture and flavor, making them the perfect choice. You will also need honey to add sweetness and soy sauce for that savory touch. - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce) - Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish If you want a thicker sauce, use cornstarch. It helps create a nice coating for the chicken. Garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons sesame oil Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor that brings everything together. This simple seasoning makes the dish shine without overpowering the other flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - Zest of 1 orange Make sure everything mixes well. This marinade brings bright flavors to the chicken. Next, season 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Now, in the same skillet, pour in your orange juice mixture. Bring it to a simmer. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the pan. This adds extra flavor to your sauce. If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce while stirring. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Coat them well with the sauce. Cook for an extra 2 minutes to ensure the chicken warms through. After this, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Orange Ginger Chicken! To get the best taste, balance sweetness and acidity. Use honey for sweetness and fresh orange juice for tang. Start with a good amount of orange juice. The honey should blend well, giving a nice glaze. Check the doneness of chicken thighs by cutting into one. The meat should be white, with no pink. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Aim for 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Make your dish look great by plating it well. Serve the chicken on a platter with the sauce drizzled over. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and orange juice will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly compared to their dried or bottled counterparts. Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the orange juice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking to infuse more flavor. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can add more or less honey to adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for a few minutes; this helps retain the juices and keeps it moist. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken thighs, try chicken breast for a leaner option. If you prefer plant-based meals, tofu works great. Just press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into cubes. For seafood lovers, shrimp adds a nice touch. Cook them until they turn pink for best results. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the marinade. This will give your chicken a nice kick. If you like deep flavors, mix in some miso paste. Miso brings a savory taste that pairs well with orange and ginger. You can experiment with these additions to find your favorite flavor. You have options when it comes to cooking. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor. Use medium heat to avoid burning. Baking is another choice. Place the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 25 minutes. Stir-frying is quick and keeps the chicken juicy. Just keep an eye on the heat to ensure even cooking. Store your orange ginger chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing it. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. When reheating, you want to keep it moist and flavorful. The best way is to use the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Then, add the chicken. Cover it with a lid to trap steam. This keeps the chicken juicy. You can also use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts, checking often. In the fridge, orange ginger chicken lasts about four days. In the freezer, it can stay good for about three months. After that, the flavor may fade. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. You can pair orange ginger chicken with several tasty side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed white rice or brown rice - Quinoa for a protein boost - Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy contrast These sides will complement the sweet and zesty flavors well. They add texture and nutrition to your meal. Yes, you can make orange ginger chicken ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Marinate the chicken in the orange juice mix the night before. This adds more flavor. - Cook the chicken and sauce, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. - Reheat the dish gently in a skillet or microwave when you're ready to serve. This makes dinner quick and easy on busy nights! Here’s a breakdown for orange ginger chicken per serving (4 servings total): - Calories: About 290 - Protein: 23g - Carbohydrates: 27g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 1g - Sugar: 10g This dish is balanced and offers a good amount of protein and flavor. Enjoy it guilt-free! This blog post covered how to make orange ginger chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken thighs and fresh orange juice, and how to prepare a tasty marinade. You learned cooking methods, tips for perfecting flavor, and ways to present your dish beautifully. Remember, you can customize this recipe by using different proteins or adding more spices. Enjoy experimenting, and don’t hesitate to make this dish your own. With practice, you’ll master the balance of flavors and impress your family and friends.$

Zesty Orange Ginger Chicken

A flavorful chicken dish with a zesty orange and ginger sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 thighs chicken, skinless and boneless
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 zest orange
2 tablespoons sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
as needed sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and orange zest until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sauté for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, pour in the orange juice mixture. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and gradually add it to the sauce while stirring. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them well with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, ginger, orange