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Sticky Orange Chicken Thighs Better Than Takeout

Close-up of four glazed Sticky Orange Chicken Thighs Better Than Takeout garnished with green onion and orange zest.
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Make juicy chicken thighs coated in a thick, sweet, and tangy orange glaze that tastes better than your favorite takeout spot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • For garnish: 2 green onions, sliced, and orange zest

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thigh pieces dry with paper towels. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 3 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry.
  4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens significantly and becomes glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes. This is your sticky glaze.
  5. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly with the thick orange sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the chicken is hot and fully glazed.
  6. Remove from heat. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sliced green onions and orange zest.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly dredge the chicken pieces in a small amount of flour or cornstarch before searing them in step one.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the best aroma and flavor in the final glaze.
  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey by one tablespoon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/sticky-orange-chicken-thighs-better-than-takeout/