Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, then look no further than these Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze. This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken breast marinated in a zesty orange sauce, finished with a luscious sesame glaze that will make your taste buds sing. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Imagine biting into succulent chicken pieces coated in a sticky, glossy glaze that adds a burst of citrusy goodness with every mouthful. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and can be served over rice for a complete meal. In just under an hour, you can have a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen, making it a hit with family and friends alike.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe for Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When it comes to weeknight meals, convenience often takes precedence. This recipe for Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze checks all the boxes: it’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. Here are a few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your cooking repertoire:

• Quick Preparation: With a marinating time of just 30 minutes and a cooking time of about 10-15 minutes, you can whip this up in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a rich glaze that envelops the chicken, resulting in an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over steamed rice, toss it in a salad, or serve it as an appetizer. The possibilities are endless!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and bursting with fresh flavors, this dish is a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy taste, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be approachable and satisfying. So why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless recipes out there, but what makes Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze stand out? Here are several compelling reasons to get your apron on and start cooking:

• Simple Ingredients: Most of the components, like chicken breast and basic pantry staples, are easily accessible. This means you can prepare this dish without any last-minute grocery runs.
• Customizable: If you want to spice things up, feel free to add some crushed red pepper or chili flakes for a little heat. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for lunch the next day. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy, sticky glaze and garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions make it visually appealing for dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Balanced Nutrition: With protein from chicken and natural sugars from honey and orange juice, it’s a balanced meal that won’t weigh you down.

Once you try this dish, you’ll see why it’s a favorite among so many home cooks. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress, without taking hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

For the Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving)

Necessary Utensils

To ensure success, gather the following utensils:

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Whisk or fork (for mixing the marinade)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch and water)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create your Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce: After marinating, heat a skillet over medium heat and transfer the chicken and marinade to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce, turning it sticky and glossy. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Add Sesame Seeds: Stir in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and sauce. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the sticky orange chicken cubes over a bed of cooked rice for a comforting and delicious meal.

**Pro Tip:** For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. This will elevate the taste even further!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze is a delightful dish that balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With its bright citrus notes and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or modifications in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends!

For more delicious ideas, check out our other recipes like Honey Mustard Chicken Cubes with Buttermilk Sauce and Crispy Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Ranch.

Check out more delicious recipes on our Pinterest: Cheflora.

Sticky Orange Chicken Cubes with Sesame Glaze

Deliciously sticky orange chicken cubes coated in a sweet and savory sesame glaze, perfect for serving over rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (450g)
• 1/2 cup Orange juice
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
• 2 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving) As needed

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• After marinating, transfer the chicken and marinade to a skillet over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
• In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
• Stir in the sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and sauce.
• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve the sticky orange chicken cubes over a bed of cooked rice for a delicious meal.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey. You can also add steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Keyword chicken, Orange Chicken, Sticky Chicken