Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

This Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory—all tossed together in a sizzling skillet with crisp veggies and tender chicken. It’s quick, easy, and healthier than takeout, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner that’s full of bold, fresh flavor and satisfying crunch.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zesty Homemade Sauce – Real orange juice and sesame oil make this sauce sing.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Crisp Veggies – Bright, crunchy vegetables add color and texture.
Healthier Than Takeout – No deep frying, less sugar, more freshness.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays flavorful even when reheated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)

For the Orange Sesame Sauce:

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1–2 oranges)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sugar snap peas or broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Small saucepan or mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Zester or microplane

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sesame Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Set both aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, carrots, and sugar snap peas (or broccoli).
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Add green onions and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 5: Add Sauce & Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour in the orange sesame sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Stir-Fry Success
Prep Everything First – Stir-frying moves fast, so have all ingredients ready.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary to keep everything crisp.
Fresh Orange Juice – Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and brightness.
Use Chicken Thighs – For extra juiciness and flavor.
Spice It Up – Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes if you want heat.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice – A classic base to soak up all that sauce.
Rice Noodles or Soba – For a noodle bowl twist.
Cucumber Salad – A cool and crunchy contrast.
Fresh Pineapple Chunks – A sweet, juicy side that complements the citrusy sauce.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Separate the rice/noodles and stir-fry for best texture.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or orange juice.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Yes, but fresh juice gives the best natural flavor and less added sugar.
2. Can I add tofu instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! Pan-fry tofu until golden and follow the same steps.
3. What other veggies work well?
   Zucchini, mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn all work beautifully.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store and reheat as directed.

Final Thoughts
Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry is the ultimate quick and tasty dinner that brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen. The citrusy sweetness, nutty sesame aroma, and vibrant veggies make this a meal worth repeating—whether it’s a weeknight, meal prep session, or just when you need something fast and delicious.

Try it and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your stir-fry creations online!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

Print