Craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both quick and bursting with flavor? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant with this mouthwatering Orange Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, zesty dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy orange sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory – all without the takeout price tag!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), 1/2 cup of orange juice, 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of cornstarch, 2 tbsp of vegetable oil, 1 tsp of minced ginger, and 1 tsp of minced garlic.
- In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your sauce for the stir fry.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Make sure to keep stirring to ensure even cooking.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared orange juice sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the orange chicken vegetable stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade orange chicken vegetable stir fry!
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fry sear.
- Don't overcook the vegetables – they should remain crisp and colorful.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most intense flavor.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations based on what's in season or your personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
