Imagine a dish that combines the tangy zest of fresh oranges, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the unexpected crunch of walnuts - all wrapped around perfectly seared chicken. This isn't just another ordinary chicken recipe; this is a culinary adventure that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 diced chicken breasts, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until well combined to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Add the diced chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- While the chicken is marinating, chop the walnuts and slice the green onions. Set them aside for later use.
- After marinating, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of oil to the pan.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes without stirring to allow a nice sear to form.
- After the initial searing, stir the chicken and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the chopped walnuts and sliced green onions to the skillet, stirring them in to combine and heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish rest for a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the orange chicken warm over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious Orange Chicken with Green Onions and Walnuts!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. Even 10 minutes allows the chicken to absorb those delicious orange and soy sauce flavors.
- Achieve the Perfect Sear: Use a hot skillet and resist the urge to move the chicken immediately. Let it develop a golden-brown crust for extra flavor and texture.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety and juicy results.
- Nut Crunch Tip: Toast the walnuts briefly in a dry pan before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and add to the simmering sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions aren't just a topping - they're a flavor booster that adds brightness to the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
