Easy Orange Chicken (5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes!) — Better Than Takeout at Home

If you’ve ever craved that sweet, sticky, citrusy orange chicken but didn’t want to wait for delivery (or deal with a long ingredient list), this recipe is about to become your new favorite. Easy Orange Chicken (5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes!) proves that bold flavor doesn’t require complicated cooking or a pantry full of specialty sauces.

This recipe is designed for real life: busy weeknights, hungry families, and anyone who wants maximum flavor with minimal effort. With just five simple ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a glossy, restaurant-style orange chicken that tastes indulgent but feels surprisingly achievable.

Unlike traditional orange chicken recipes that rely on deep frying, cornstarch slurries, and multiple sauces, this streamlined version focuses on balance. Sweet orange juice brings brightness, soy sauce adds savory depth, and a quick stovetop glaze ties everything together in under half an hour.

Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or eat it straight from the pan (no judgment), this dish hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, tangy, and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken

There’s a reason this recipe has become a repeat favorite in so many kitchens:

• Only 5 ingredients — no specialty store trips required
• 30 minutes total from prep to plate
• One-pan cooking means easy cleanup
• Family-friendly flavor that adults and kids both love
• Customizable heat level depending on your taste

It’s perfect for beginner cooks, busy students, or anyone who wants a reliable go-to chicken dinner without sacrificing flavor.

What Makes Orange Chicken So Popular?

Orange chicken is a Chinese-American classic, popularized by takeout restaurants for its irresistible combination of crispy chicken and sweet citrus sauce. While it’s not a traditional Chinese dish, it has become a comfort food staple thanks to its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

This simplified homemade version keeps the spirit of the dish while skipping the deep frying and complicated steps, making it more accessible for everyday cooking.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• Orange juice (fresh or bottled, no pulp)
• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Garlic (fresh or jarred)

That’s it. Five ingredients, endless flavor.

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and garlic directly to the pan.
4. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 6–8 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a glossy glaze.
5. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying.

Pro Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

• Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate
• Don’t rush the sauce — letting it reduce is what creates that sticky glaze
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed
• Use fresh garlic for stronger flavor, but jarred works in a pinch

Easy Variations

Want to change it up? Try one of these simple twists:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha
• Orange Ginger Chicken: Add grated fresh ginger with the garlic
• Crispy Version: Lightly coat chicken in cornstarch before cooking
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Fried rice or vegetable stir-fry
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas
• Cauliflower rice for a lighter option

It also works great as meal prep — the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce texture may change

Final Thoughts

Easy Orange Chicken (5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes!) is proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep, bold flavor, and endless versatility, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Once you try it, takeout might just become optional.

Easy Orange Chicken (5 Ingredients, 30 Minutes!)

A quick and flavorful homemade orange chicken made with just five simple ingredients and ready in 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 220

Ingredients

  

Cookie Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp cloves optional
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 egg large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup apple cider

Filling

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
5. Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
7. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
8. Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.

Notes

Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste; add chili flakes for heat.