Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

When you’re craving something bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is the quick-fix dinner you didn’t know you needed. Juicy bites of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a glossy orange-sesame glaze come together in a sizzling skillet for a fast, flavorful, and better-than-takeout meal in minutes.

It’s sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty all in one glorious bite—perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice or tossed with noodles for a full-on stir-fry experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Zesty – That orange glaze is next-level—fresh, citrusy, and perfectly balanced with garlic and soy.
Quick Weeknight Dinner – On the table in under 30 minutes, with just one skillet to clean.
Better Than Takeout – Fresher, healthier, and way more customizable.
Loaded with Veggies – Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli—use what you love!
Perfect with Rice or Noodles – A saucy, satisfying meal that pairs with any carb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or neutral oil)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

For the Orange Sauce:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch in a bowl until well coated. This gives it a light, crisp finish when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and all your chopped veggies. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Combine

Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the orange sauce and stir everything together. Cook another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot over rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Dig in!

Tips for Stir-Fry Success

• Use Fresh Orange Juice – It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook chicken in batches if needed for a better sear.
• Keep Veggies Crisp – Stir-fry just until tender-crisp to keep their texture.
• Go Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha if you like heat.

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice – White, jasmine, or brown rice soaks up all that sauce.
• Over Noodles – Try with soba, ramen, or lo mein noodles for a heartier dish.
• In Lettuce Wraps – Light and fun twist for a low-carb option.
• Meal Prep Ready – Pack with rice and a lime wedge for lunch all week.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing:
Freeze stir-fry (sauce and all) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh orange juice gives a brighter, fresher flavor.

Can I use frozen veggies?
Absolutely—just thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess water in the pan.

What protein substitutions work?
Try tofu, shrimp, or sliced beef for variety.

Is it gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your other ingredients.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 600mg

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