Cilantro Orange Chicken Bites Zesty Ready in a Jiffy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook to Cilantro Orange Chicken

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? This cilantro orange chicken recipe will brighten up your week. Honestly, it's like a flavour explosion. It’s zesty, sweet, and incredibly moreish.

Brief Overview of this Easy Chicken Recipes

This style of orange chicken recipe comes from Chinese-American cuisine. It's designed for speed and flavor. It's an easy dish, taking only about 30 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.

This cilantro orange chicken bites recipe makes 4 servings.

Main Benefits of Orange Chicken Stir Fry

This cilantro lime chicken is packed with vitamin C. Perfect for fighting off those pesky colds, you know?. The sweet and tangy chicken will be a hit with the whole family.

This is a real winner of easy chicken recipes ! And it will give you delicious 30 minute meals .

Cilantro Orange Chicken Bites Ingredients

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need. You’ll want to gather a couple of things before. It will keep you calm.

• The Chicken: We're using 1 ¼ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• The Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp ground cumin.
• The Freshness: ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro is a must.
• The Sauce: We're talking 2 oranges for their juicy goodness.
• The Sweetness: 3 Tbsp honey to balance the tang.
• The Punch: 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp white vinegar, and 1 Tbsp soy sauce.

Equipment

You won't need anything too fancy. A couple bowls, a whisk, a large pan. You will have everything you need ready for delicious cilantro orange chicken orange chicken .

Let's Wrap It Up

Cilantro orange chicken really is a lifesaver on a busy weeknight. Give it a bash and let me know what you think.

Don't be shy to make a few tweaks as you like.

Cilantro Orange Chicken Bites Zesty Ready in a Jiffy Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ lbs (567g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 to 1 ½-inch (2.5 to 3.8cm) pieces OR chicken tenderloins
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (6g) salt
• ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro, divided (plus more for garnish)
• Olive oil, for cooking
• 2 medium oranges, juiced (about ½ cup/120ml juice)
• 3 Tbsp (60g) honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) white vinegar
• 1 Tbsp (15ml) soy sauce

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. Toss well to coat evenly.
• In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, minced garlic, white vinegar, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a separate bowl and keep warm.
• Reduce heat to medium. Add orange sauce to the same pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Remove the pan from heat. Transfer the cooked chicken back to the pan using a slotted spoon or tongs. Add ¼ cup chopped cilantro and toss until chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. (Optional: Simmer chicken in sauce for a couple minutes for extra crispy edges).
• Serve warm, spooning extra sauce over the chicken bites. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:15g

Fiber:1g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

So, you're thinking about making my cilantro orange chicken orange chicken recipe? Awesome! Honestly, even if you can barely boil an egg, you can nail this.

It's one of those easy chicken recipes that even I can manage after a long day. No stress, just good food.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Okay, here's what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not a mile-long list. I promise!

• Chicken:
  • 1 ¼ lbs (567g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 to 1 ½-inch (2.5 to 3.8cm) pieces OR chicken tenderloins. I always go for chicken thighs – they're juicier, you know? Look for chicken that's nice and pink, not grey or slimy. That's your quality indicator right there!
  • 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (6g) salt
  • ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro, divided (plus more for garnish). Fresh cilantro is key for that cilantro lime chicken vibe!
  • Olive oil, for cooking. Nothing fancy needed here.
• Sauce:
  • 2 medium oranges, juiced (about ½ cup /120ml juice). Freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
  • 3 Tbsp (60g) honey.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp (15ml) white vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp (15ml) soy sauce

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

This recipe relies on a simple but effective spice combo. Smoked paprika brings a smoky depth, while cumin adds an earthy warmth.

Salt, of course, is essential. Fresh cilantro is everything ! It balances the sweetness of the honey orange chicken perfectly.

If you're out of cilantro, parsley will do in a pinch, but it won't be quite the same.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Honestly, you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this. Here's the bare minimum:

• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Tongs
• Juicer (optional, but makes things easier!). If you don't have a juicer, just squeeze those oranges by hand. A fork helps!

Cooking Method for Cilantro Orange Chicken: A Quick Blast!

Alright, buckle up, buttercup. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of how to actually cook this ridiculously easy cilantro orange chicken .

It's quicker than calling for takeaway. Honestly, this easy chicken recipe will be your new best mate.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is key. Basically, get everything chopped and measured. Saves a headache later, trust me. Chop your 1 ¼ lbs (567g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

Think 1 to 1 ½-inch (2.5 to 3.8cm). Next, juice 2 medium oranges . Mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Finally, chop ¼ cup (15g) of fresh cilantro . Having everything ready means you won't be scrambling about later!

Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Spice it Up: In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika , 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin , and 1 tsp (6g) salt . Give it a good mix.
2. Sauce Time: Whisk together orange juice, 3 Tbsp (60g) honey , minced garlic, 1 Tbsp (15ml) white vinegar , and 1 Tbsp (15ml) soy sauce .
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it steams. Cook for 3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . I hate overcooked chicken.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat. Add the orange sauce and simmer for 4- 5 minutes . It should thicken slightly. Scrape those browned bits from the pan; flavour gold!
5. Combine: Toss the chicken with the sauce and ¼ cup (15g) of fresh cilantro .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Don't skip the searing part! High heat is key for those nice, crispy edges. For a honey orange chicken twist, add a touch more honey.

Feel free to adjust the sauce. Taste it as you go. Need more tang? Add a splash more white vinegar.

For those who are looking for easy chicken recipes , this is a winner!. Oh, and if you fancy a cilantro lime chicken , swap some of the orange juice for lime juice.

This really takes this orange chicken stir fry to the next level. This dish is perfect for weeknights. Making a quick chicken dinner has never been this easy.

For a sweet and tangy chicken , it is a must.

Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Cilantro Orange Chicken

Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make your cilantro orange chicken experience even better. Honestly, these are the little things that can elevate a good recipe to a great recipe! I've learned a thing or two over the years, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Fancy (Even When It's Not!)

Okay, so plating. It's not just for posh restaurants. A few simple tricks can make your cilantro orange chicken look amazing.

First, don't just dump it on a plate. Pile it nicely over a bed of rice or noodles. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro? Always a good shout.

For a side? I love some steamed broccoli. Keeps it healthy-ish, right? And to drink? A crisp, cold beer or even a glass of iced green tea will cut through the richness perfectly.

It's all about the balance, innit?

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

So, you've got leftovers? No worries! Pop that cilantro orange chicken in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Reheating is a doddle – just microwave it or heat it up in a pan. If you're thinking long-term, you can freeze it.

It's best to freeze it separately from the rice. Then, just defrost it overnight and reheat. Sorted! Just a heads up – the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it'll still taste banging.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a change? Easy peasy! Want a bit of a kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes when you're making the sauce.

Adds a lovely warmth. Got mates who are gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Boom, problem solved. And if you're feeling seasonal, swap the oranges for clementines in winter.

Adds a lovely festive touch. This orange chicken recipe is super versatile so you can always add more cilantro lime chicken to the mix.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Alright, let's be real. We're not pretending this is health food. But it's still got some good stuff in it! You get protein from the chicken, vitamin C from the oranges, and a bit of fiber if you serve it with some veg.

One serving is around 350 calories , with 35g of protein , 15g of fat , and 25g of carbs .

Just keep an eye on the sugar content from the honey and orange juice. It's all about moderation, my friend.

We all want a sweet and tangy chicken from time to time.

So, there you have it! All the little extras to make your cilantro orange chicken orange chicken a winner. Now get in the kitchen and give it a go. You got this!.