Sticky Orange Chicken
- 35 min
- Serves 2
- 18 ingredients
15 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A vibrant sticky orange chicken that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The crispy chicken is coated in a flavorful orange‑chili sauce and served over rice with fresh orange slices for a high‑protein, low‑carb dinner.
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Method
Sticky Orange Sauce
Juice half an orange, then whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, Thai sweet red chili sauce, sugar substitute, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth.
Place the mixture in a non‑stick skillet over medium heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The sauce is thickened and glossy. Stir constantly as it simmers.
Main method
Cut the chicken breast into bite‑size cubes.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with baking soda, 0.5 tbsp cornstarch, 0.5 tsp pepper, paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp ground ginger, garlic powder, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken pieces are evenly coated in seasoning. Toss thoroughly so the coating reaches each piece.
Lightly spray the coated chicken with a no‑calorie cooking spray.
Preheat the air‑fryer to 400°F (400°F). Arrange the chicken in a single layer and air‑fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pieces are golden and cooked through.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The chicken is golden and cooked through. Arrange in a single layer for even air-frying.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the Sticky Orange Sauce (see component instructions).
When the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat.
Transfer the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Cook together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Each chicken piece is coated with glossy sauce. Toss until the sauce clings to the chicken.
Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup of raw rice and cook it according to package directions (about 15 minutes). Keep warm.
Serve the sticky orange chicken over the cooked rice, garnish with fresh orange slices, and enjoy immediately.
Tips while you cook
- Even coating
- Combine the chicken with the dry seasonings and cornstarch, then lightly spray before air‑frying.
- Shake for uniform crispness
- Shake the air‑fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Synchronize sauce prep
- Make the sticky orange sauce while the chicken air‑fries.
Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.
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Anastasia D’Amario made this.
The recipe comes from Anastasia D’Amario’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.
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Orange chicken, 7 ways
Six creators posted their own. Most use chicken, orange juice, garlic and red chili flakes.
- Noah Perlo50 min17 ingr.Only this one uses baking powder and diet orange juice
- Anastasia D’Amario35 min18 ingr.Only this one uses baking soda, paprika and low sodium soy sauce
- Max Jarmey1 hr 15 min11 ingr.Only this one uses thyme leaves and cointreau
- Pierce Abernathy35 min21 ingr.Only this one uses white pepper, flour and egg
- carolinagelen1 hr 20 min7 ingr.Only this one uses fennel bulbs, roasted chicken and dill
- Jalal45 min20 ingr.Only this one uses honey, sriracha and mini cucumbers
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