Name: Orange Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 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); 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; 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

Description

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.

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Ingredients

Scale

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

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired