Orange Glazed Chicken IN 20 Minutes
ORANGE GLAZED CHICKEN IN 20 MINUTES 🍊 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by TIFFYCOOKS on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $7.94 total, $1.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken Thigh (boneless, skinless, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoning)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (regular table salt)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for a light coating)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium)
- 2 tbsp Vegetarian Oyster Sauce (plant‑based, found in Asian aisle)
- 1 tbsp Honey (raw honey preferred)
- 0.33 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small Red Chili (thinly sliced; adjust for heat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for pan‑frying)
Instructions
Season and Coat Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss again until a thin, even layer covers each piece.
Time: PT5M
Pan‑Fry Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and fry 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Prepare the Orange Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, honey, orange juice, and sliced red chili. Simmer for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Chicken with Glaze
Return the fried chicken to the skillet. Toss quickly and cook on high heat for 1–2 minutes, letting the glaze coat each piece and become glossy.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: high heat
Serve
Transfer the orange‑glazed chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with extra sliced red chili or orange zest if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains honey, Not vegan, Contains gluten (soy sauce)
Allergens: Soy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Thigh: Chicken Breast
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Vegetarian Oyster Sauce: Mushroom soy sauce
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Orange Juice: Store‑bought 100% orange juice
- Instead of Red Chili: Red chili flakes
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Coating chicken with a thin layer of cornstarch before frying
- Ensuring the pan is hot enough to achieve a golden crust
- Reducing the sauce just enough to cling to the chicken without becoming overly thick
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest with the juice for an extra burst of citrus
- For more heat, finish with a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne
Troubleshooting
Chicken isn’t crispy after coating
Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken and avoid crowding the pan; also, pat the chicken dry before coating.
Sauce is too thin
Continue simmering the sauce for an additional 30‑60 seconds until it reduces and thickens.
Dish is too salty
Use low‑sodium soy sauce and adjust the added salt accordingly; you can also add a splash of water to balance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Not recommended; sauce may separate when frozen
Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the orange glaze up to step 3 and refrigerate; reheat before adding chicken
- Fried chicken can be made ahead and reheated quickly in a hot skillet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of orange glazed chicken in Chinese cuisine?
Orange glazed chicken is a modern adaptation of classic Cantonese sweet‑and‑savory dishes that balance citrus with soy‑based sauces. While not a traditional holiday dish, it reflects the Chinese diaspora’s love for quick, flavor‑packed meals that combine sweet orange with spicy heat.
What are the traditional regional variations of orange glazed chicken in Chinese cooking?
In Guangdong, the sauce may include Shaoxing wine and a hint of ginger, while Sichuan versions add generous Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing spice. Some coastal regions incorporate fresh orange zest for a brighter flavor profile.
How is orange glazed chicken traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot over steamed jasmine rice or tossed with stir‑fried noodles, accompanied by stir‑fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas, making it a balanced family meal.
What occasions or celebrations is orange glazed chicken associated with in Chinese culture?
While not tied to a specific festival, the bright orange color symbolizes good fortune and is often prepared for birthday banquets or casual gatherings where a festive, colorful dish is welcomed.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with orange glazed chicken?
Pair it with simple sides such as garlic‑sautéed green beans, cucumber salad with rice vinegar, or a light egg drop soup to balance the sweet‑spicy profile of the chicken.
What makes orange glazed chicken special or unique in Chinese‑inspired cuisine?
The combination of fresh orange juice, honey, and red chili creates a glossy, sweet‑spicy glaze that contrasts with the crispy texture of the fried chicken, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures rarely found in traditional Chinese sauces.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than fries the chicken, and adding the sauce before the chicken is fully browned, resulting in soggy coating. Also, over‑reducing the sauce can make it overly sticky.
Why does this Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken recipe use cornstarch instead of flour for coating?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy even after being tossed in the glaze, whereas flour can become gummy when combined with a sugary sauce.
Can I make Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to step 3 and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat the glaze, then toss with freshly fried chicken just before serving for optimal texture.
What does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS focuses on fast, flavorful Asian‑inspired home cooking, delivering 20‑minute recipes that use everyday ingredients and simple techniques for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TIFFYCOOKS' approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?
TIFFYCOOKS emphasizes speed and accessibility, often simplifying traditional techniques—like using cornstarch for a quick crisp and a ready‑made vegetarian oyster sauce—while still preserving authentic flavor balances, unlike many channels that stick to more elaborate, time‑intensive methods.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
