Let's Make Orange Chicken Tonight!

Orange chicken is such a summer food in my opinion! This version is bright, citrusy, and actually tastes like real oranges and not some mystery syrup. Maybe it’s the glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every crispy bite, or maybe it’s because it feels like we are eating takeout… but it has my kids cheering and my husband casually hovering over the stove “just to check on things.”

I’ve always thought of orange chicken as food you could only get from a restaurant. But I finally realized:

1. I can make it way better than the mall food court. (Although their crab rangoons still get me every time.)

2. I could make it without spending $20 on everyone’s individual orders.

You’ll find that this is still budget‑friendly, family‑friendly, and weeknight‑friendly… basically everything we aim to do here!

Will you come make it with me on Tik Tok, Instagram and Facebook? You’ll find all of my recipe videos there to make things even easier for you!

• 1 to 2 bags Just Bare chicken nuggets (depends on your family size)

• 1 ¼ cup orange juice

• 1/2 cup Japanese BBQ sauce

• 1 TBSP cornstarch

• 2 TBSP water

• White rice

• Steamed broccoli

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cook the breaded nuggets for about 20 minutes until they are starting to get crispy.

3. Meanwhile, start on your rice and cook it according to package directions.

4. Toss the broccoli with some avocado oil and salt and pepper and steam it on the stove.

5. To make the orange sauce, combine orange juice and Japanese BBQ sauce in a medium sized bowl. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Add it to the orange juice and BBQ sauce.

6. Heat a saucepan to medium high heat and then add in the orange sauce. Simmer on low, stirring frequently until the sauce starts to thicken and become glossy.

7. To plate: toss the chicken nuggets and orange sauce together and add to plate. Place a side of rice and broccoli on the same plate. Enjoy!