Flavorful Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with my Flavorful Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry recipe! This dish combines juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy orange sauce that bursts with flavor. You’ll find easy-to-follow steps, handy tips, and delicious variations to make this recipe your own. Whether you're a novice or a pro in the kitchen, I’m here to guide you through every step. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients with Measurements

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced

- 1 medium carrot, julienned

- 1 cup sugar snap peas

- 2 green onions, chopped

- 5 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

- Zest and juice of 1 large orange

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

- Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Ingredient Description

The chicken is the star of this dish. I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite. Cornstarch helps create a crispy layer on the chicken. I love using a vibrant bell pepper, either red or yellow, for color and crunch. Carrots add sweetness and texture, while sugar snap peas bring a fresh, crisp taste. Garlic and ginger give a strong flavor base. Orange zest and juice add a bright, tangy note. Soy sauce adds depth, and sesame oil gives a nutty finish. Finally, sesame seeds provide a nice crunch.

Recommended Cooking Tools

You will need a large pan or wok for this stir fry. A sharp knife and cutting board make prepping easy. Use a mixing bowl for tossing the chicken with cornstarch. I recommend having a spatula for stirring. A zester or grater will help with the orange zest. Lastly, have measuring spoons ready for accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken

First, grab 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This makes the chicken easy to cook and eat. Place the chicken in a bowl and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy texture.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This step is key for good flavor.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same pan, it’s time to add flavor! Toss in a sliced bell pepper (red or yellow), 1 medium julienned carrot, and 1 cup of sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften but still be crisp. Add in 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger. Stir this for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.

Combining Ingredients

Next, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the zest and juice of 1 large orange to the mix. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Toss everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Final Touches and Serving

Once it’s all mixed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. This adds freshness and color. Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa for a complete meal. For a fun touch, garnish with extra sesame seeds and orange wedges. Enjoy your delicious dish!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve a Crispy Chicken Texture

To get crispy chicken, coat it with cornstarch. This helps create a crunchy layer when you fry it. Use a large pan or wok and heat oil until hot. Cook the chicken in batches. This keeps the heat high and prevents steaming. Stir the chicken only a few times while cooking. Let it sit for a bit to brown nicely.

Best Vegetables to Use

For this stir-fry, I love using bell peppers, carrots, and sugar snap peas. These veggies add color and crunch. Bell peppers bring sweetness, while carrots add a nice bite. Sugar snap peas stay crisp and bright. You can also try broccoli or bok choy for a different twist.

Enhancing Flavor with Additional Spices

To add more flavor, consider using crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the dish. You can also add a pinch of five-spice powder for depth. Experiment with your favorite spices to make it your own. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also elevate the taste.

Variations

Alternative Proteins or Vegetables

You can swap chicken for other proteins. Tofu or shrimp works well. For tofu, use firm tofu. Press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes, then coat it with cornstarch too. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until pink. You can also add different veggies. Broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini are great choices. They add more color and crunch to your dish.

Gluten-Free Adaptations

To make this dish gluten-free, switch to gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option. You can also use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure the cornstarch you use is labeled gluten-free as well. If you want more flavor, consider adding coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. These swaps keep the taste rich while making the meal safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Adding Heat: Spicy Versions

If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. A teaspoon of red pepper flakes brings a nice kick. You can also mix sriracha into the sauce before adding it to the stir fry. For more heat, try fresh sliced chili peppers. They add flavor along with the spice. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. Start small, then add more if needed. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful and spicy sesame orange chicken stir fry!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This dish stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. When you want to eat it, just take it out and check for any signs of spoilage.

Freezing Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry

You can freeze this stir fry if you need to save it for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. This allows the food to expand. It will stay good for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry, use a pan for best results. Heat it on medium until it’s hot throughout, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it warms evenly.

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftovers?

To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them separately. Keep the sauce in another container. When you are ready to eat, just reheat everything together. This way, your stir fry stays fresh and tasty.

How can I adjust the recipe for a larger group?

To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of chicken and double the veggies and sauce. You may need a larger pan for cooking. Stir-fry in batches if needed. This way, everyone gets to enjoy this delicious meal!

In this blog post, we covered how to make Sesame Orange Chicken Stir Fry. You learned about the key ingredients and the best tools to use. I provided step-by-step instructions to help you cook the chicken, stir-fry the veggies, and combine everything. You also discovered tips for crispy chicken and flavorful spice options. Variations allow you to adapt this dish for different diets. Finally, I shared storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can prepare a tasty, healthy meal that fits your needs. Enjoy cooking!