Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

This Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, vibrant, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something better than takeout. Tender pieces of chicken are stir-fried with colorful veggies in a tangy, sweet, and savory orange sesame sauce that clings to every bite. With its zesty citrus notes, rich umami flavor, and a touch of toasted sesame, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh & Flavorful – The homemade orange sesame sauce is bursting with fresh citrus and savory soy, perfectly coating every ingredient.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for fast lunches or weeknight dinners.
• Healthy & Balanced – Loaded with lean protein and vegetables, it’s a wholesome option without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and all the flavor. Everything comes together in one skillet or wok.
• Customizable – Swap out the protein or veggies based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil for cooking)

For the Orange Sesame Sauce:

• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, but recommended for brightness)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Citrus juicer or zester (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and veggies.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sesame Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
2. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of sesame oil if needed.
2. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the sliced green onions.

Step 5: Add the Sauce & Finish

1. Pour the prepared orange sesame sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
2. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
3. Remove from heat once the sauce is glossy and the dish is well combined.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
2. Serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

• Cut Chicken Evenly – Uniform pieces cook more evenly and quickly.
• High Heat = Crispier Chicken – Stir-fry on medium-high to high heat for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Veggies – Keep them bright and crisp for a fresh bite.
• Use Fresh Orange Juice – It gives the sauce a brighter, more authentic flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Prep Before You Start – Stir-fry moves fast, so have everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Over Noodles – Try soba, ramen, or rice noodles for a different twist.
• With Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb version.
• Side of Egg Rolls or Dumplings – For a complete takeout-style meal at home.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or orange juice if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   • Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the best flavor. If using bottled, opt for no sugar added and add less sweetener to balance the taste.
2. Can I make it vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth or water in place of chicken-based sauces.
3. What other vegetables can I use?
   • Snow peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn all work great in this recipe.
4. Is it spicy?
   • This version is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha for heat.
5. Can I freeze it?
   • While best fresh, this dish can be frozen. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of zesty, sweet, and savory with a punch of citrus flavor and a satisfying crunch. It’s a healthier, homemade version of a takeout classic and is sure to become a weeknight staple. The best part? It’s made in one pan, ready in under 30 minutes, and totally customizable to your taste.

Give it a try and let me know how you liked it! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your creation on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

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