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Orange Chicken and Noodles

Orange Chicken and Noodles
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An easy and quick Orange Chicken and Noodles recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors. Featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce with soft noodles, this one-pan meal is family-friendly, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Noodles and Garnish

  • 6 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a hot skillet with a bit of vegetable oil and cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Make the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Pour the orange sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the slurry, and simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a glossy coating that clings to every piece of chicken.
  4. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce thickens, cook egg noodles or lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine and Toss: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the orange chicken sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the vibrant sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or other preferred garnishes. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice won’t be as vibrant.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually by adding sugar or honey little by little.
  • The cornstarch slurry is key to achieving a thick, glossy sauce that clings well.
  • Cook noodles separately to avoid mushiness and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Noodles, Quick Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Family Friendly, Citrus Sauce, Weeknight Recipe

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/orange-chicken-and-noodles/