Sticky Orange Chicken Bites Flavorful and Easy Recipe

November 28, 2025April 3, 2025 by Lauren

Looking for a fun and tasty meal? Try my Sticky Orange Chicken Bites! This recipe is simple and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any night. You’ll love the juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Plus, I’ll share tips to make it crisp and delicious every time. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this crowd-pleaser. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why I Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet orange, soy sauce, and honey creates a sticky glaze that perfectly complements the crispy chicken bites.
Quick and Easy Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: These orange chicken bites are great as an appetizer, main dish, or even served over rice for a hearty meal.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, make it visually appealing and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– Chicken breast details

Use 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean and cooks well. This makes it perfect for our dish.

– Orange juice preparation

You need 1/2 cup of orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice works best. It adds a bright and tangy flavor. You can use bottled juice, but fresh is always better.

– Key seasonings and sauces

The main sauces include 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Mix this with 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic for extra flavor. These ingredients create a sweet and savory sauce. They blend well with the orange juice to make it sticky and delicious.

This mix of flavors is what makes Sticky Orange Chicken Bites so special. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a satisfying taste that you will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase

To start, you need to mix cornstarch and flour. In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir these together well. This mix will give the chicken a crispy coating.

Next, prepare the chicken pieces. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. Set the chicken aside while you get ready to fry.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking.

Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs first. Then, coat them well with the cornstarch and flour mix. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4-5 minutes for each batch. Make sure to turn the pieces for even cooking. They should be golden brown when done. Remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels.

Making the Orange Sauce

For the orange sauce, combine several ingredients in a saucepan. Start with 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor.

Bring this mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir it well to blend the flavors. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to the sauce and cook until it thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Once thickened, add the fried chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Your sticky orange chicken bites are ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

To get crispy chicken bites, use the right frying method. Start with a large skillet or wok. Heat the vegetable oil to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken fry fast and stay juicy. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and cooks evenly. Each piece should take about 4-5 minutes to turn golden brown. When done, place the bites on paper towels to drain excess oil.

For even cooking, cut the chicken breast into uniform pieces. This way, they all cook at the same time. Also, coat each piece well in the cornstarch and flour mix. An even coating helps form a crispy crust when frying.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost the flavor, consider swapping some ingredients. For a richer taste, try using fresh orange zest along with the juice. You can add a splash of lime juice for extra tang. If you want a deeper flavor, add a bit of hoisin sauce or fish sauce to the orange sauce mix.

Adjusting the sweetness is easy too. If you prefer a less sweet dish, cut down on honey. You can also add a bit more rice vinegar for a touch of acidity. This helps balance the flavors in the dish.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to bottled alternatives.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture and avoid greasy bites.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Thicken Sauce Gradually: Add the cornstarch-water mixture slowly to the sauce and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Chicken breast is great, but you can use shrimp or beef. Tofu works well for a plant-based option. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces.

For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so it’s perfect for coating. This swap will still give you a crispy texture that everyone loves.

Flavor Variations

Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mix. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also add jalapeños for extra warmth.

If you want to enhance the citrus flavor, try adding lemon or lime juice. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a new twist, too. Mix and match these options to create a unique version of sticky orange chicken bites.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your Sticky Orange Chicken Bites fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down. This prevents moisture from forming. Next, place the chicken in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep the chicken tasty for up to three days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze both cooked and uncooked chicken bites. For cooked bites, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to three months.

For uncooked chicken bites, follow the same steps. Just coat them in cornstarch and flour first. They will stay fresh in the freezer for two months.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat cooked chicken bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This keeps them crispy. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. For uncooked bites, fry them straight from the freezer. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

These simple steps help you enjoy your Sticky Orange Chicken Bites at their best!

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites ahead of time. First, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce. Let both cool down and store them in separate containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, heat the chicken and sauce together in a pan. This saves time and gives you a tasty meal quickly.

What to serve with Sticky Orange Chicken Bites?

Sticky Orange Chicken Bites pair well with many sides. Rice is a great choice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or fried rice. Steamed vegetables also work well. Try broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a colorful plate. If you like salads, a fresh green salad adds crunch. It balances the dish and makes it even better!

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites healthier, you can try a few simple swaps. Use skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it. For the sauce, reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Lastly, add more veggies to the dish for added nutrients and fiber.

You learned how to make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to elevate your dish. You can swap ingredients for different flavors or adjust sweetness to your liking. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat carefully. Cooking can be fun and anyone can do it. Try different versions and make this dish your own. Enjoy the process and the tasty results. Happy cookin

$- Chicken breast details Use 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean and cooks well. This makes it perfect for our dish. - Orange juice preparation You need 1/2 cup of orange juice. Freshly squeezed juice works best. It adds a bright and tangy flavor. You can use bottled juice, but fresh is always better. - Key seasonings and sauces The main sauces include 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Mix this with 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic for extra flavor. These ingredients create a sweet and savory sauce. They blend well with the orange juice to make it sticky and delicious. This mix of flavors is what makes Sticky Orange Chicken Bites so special. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a satisfying taste that you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix cornstarch and flour. In a bowl, add 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir these together well. This mix will give the chicken a crispy coating. Next, prepare the chicken pieces. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are even in size. This helps them cook evenly. Set the chicken aside while you get ready to fry. Now, it's time to cook the chicken. Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs first. Then, coat them well with the cornstarch and flour mix. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4-5 minutes for each batch. Make sure to turn the pieces for even cooking. They should be golden brown when done. Remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels. For the orange sauce, combine several ingredients in a saucepan. Start with 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, and 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor. Bring this mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir it well to blend the flavors. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this to the sauce and cook until it thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once thickened, add the fried chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Your sticky orange chicken bites are ready to serve! To get crispy chicken bites, use the right frying method. Start with a large skillet or wok. Heat the vegetable oil to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken fry fast and stay juicy. Fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and cooks evenly. Each piece should take about 4-5 minutes to turn golden brown. When done, place the bites on paper towels to drain excess oil. For even cooking, cut the chicken breast into uniform pieces. This way, they all cook at the same time. Also, coat each piece well in the cornstarch and flour mix. An even coating helps form a crispy crust when frying. To boost the flavor, consider swapping some ingredients. For a richer taste, try using fresh orange zest along with the juice. You can add a splash of lime juice for extra tang. If you want a deeper flavor, add a bit of hoisin sauce or fish sauce to the orange sauce mix. Adjusting the sweetness is easy too. If you prefer a less sweet dish, cut down on honey. You can also add a bit more rice vinegar for a touch of acidity. This helps balance the flavors in the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to bottled alternatives. Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the vegetable oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture and avoid greasy bites. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Thicken Sauce Gradually: Add the cornstarch-water mixture slowly to the sauce and stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Chicken breast is great, but you can use shrimp or beef. Tofu works well for a plant-based option. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Cornstarch is already gluten-free, so it’s perfect for coating. This swap will still give you a crispy texture that everyone loves. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mix. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also add jalapeños for extra warmth. If you want to enhance the citrus flavor, try adding lemon or lime juice. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a new twist, too. Mix and match these options to create a unique version of sticky orange chicken bites. To keep your Sticky Orange Chicken Bites fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down. This prevents moisture from forming. Next, place the chicken in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. They keep the chicken tasty for up to three days in the fridge. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked chicken bites. For cooked bites, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. For uncooked chicken bites, follow the same steps. Just coat them in cornstarch and flour first. They will stay fresh in the freezer for two months. When you're ready to eat, reheat cooked chicken bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This keeps them crispy. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. For uncooked bites, fry them straight from the freezer. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. These simple steps help you enjoy your Sticky Orange Chicken Bites at their best! Yes, you can make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites ahead of time. First, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce. Let both cool down and store them in separate containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, heat the chicken and sauce together in a pan. This saves time and gives you a tasty meal quickly. Sticky Orange Chicken Bites pair well with many sides. Rice is a great choice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or fried rice. Steamed vegetables also work well. Try broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a colorful plate. If you like salads, a fresh green salad adds crunch. It balances the dish and makes it even better! To make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites healthier, you can try a few simple swaps. Use skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein. You can also bake the chicken instead of frying it. For the sauce, reduce the amount of honey or use a natural sweetener. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt. Lastly, add more veggies to the dish for added nutrients and fiber. You learned how to make Sticky Orange Chicken Bites. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to elevate your dish. You can swap ingredients for different flavors or adjust sweetness to your liking. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat carefully. Cooking can be fun and anyone can do it. Try different versions and make this dish your own. Enjoy the process and the tasty results. Happy cooking!$