Easy Orange Chicken

I loved this recipe!  I adapted it slightly from A Sweet Pea Chef, really just changing up the vegetables (she used all broccoli), but it was awesome the way it was!  I loved the sauce: a gentle kick of spiciness (I’m typically not into spicy but it was so perfect for this dish) and yummy orange sweetness.  Mmmm.   This makes me want to make it again already.

Easy Orange Chicken

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
kosher salt to coat
freshly ground black pepper, to coat

1-2 cups veggies of your choice (I used baby carrots, snap peas, and broccoli)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (if desired)

sesame seeds

For the Sauce:

1 1/2 cups water plus 2 tbsp, divided

2 tbsp. orange juice

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/3 cup rice vinegar

2 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. grated orange zest

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp. cornstarch

Directions

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all the ingredients for the sauce except for the cornstarch and 2 tbsp. water. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once the sauce has started boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, while chicken and vegetables are being prepared.

Steam vegetables until just tender. Test with a fork: if the fork easily pierces the veggies, they are done.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts. Lay chicken in pan and cook until browned on each side and cooked through, approximately 8-12 minutes (If chicken breasts are pounded or cut thin).

Once cooked through, allow to cool then cut into thin strips.

Turn the heat on the sauce to medium. In a small mixing bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp. water in order to combine and avoid lumps. Add the cornstarch mixture to the rest of the sauce and stir to combine. You will notice the sauce begin to thicken quickly. Stir for a minute or two until well thickened. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, gently toss together the vegetables, chicken, and sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve with rice.  I used my brand new fancy rice cooker from brother that I got for Christmas!  Thanks ChadJ