Easy Orange Chicken with Chicken Nuggets
A good orange chicken is usually a bit of a project. Batter, frying, a sink full of dishes and more effort than a Tuesday night really calls for. This version skips all of that. I use shop-bought chicken nuggets instead, which means you still get that crispy bite without any of the faff.
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Servings: 4 servings with rice
Calories: 283kcal
Ingredients
- 600 grams (22oz) shop-bought chicken nuggets
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water - (to make a slurry)
- 1⅓ cups pure orange juice - or roughly 4 squeezed oranges
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chilli sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste - or grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste - or crushed garlic
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Cook the chicken nuggets according to the packet instructions until hot and crispy.600 grams (22oz) shop-bought chicken nuggets
- In a small bowl, mix the cornflour and water until completely smooth to make a slurry.2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Pour the orange juice into a medium saucepan. Add the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar and honey. Stir to combine.1⅓ cups pure orange juice, 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chilli sauce, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons ginger paste, 2 teaspoons garlic paste, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey
- Pour the orange juice into a medium saucepan. Add the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar and honey. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add the cooked nuggets to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Top tips:
- The sauce is meant to be sweet and sticky, so expect that classic orange chicken-style flavour.
- If you prefer more control, add the sauce to the nuggets gradually and stop when they’re coated to your liking.
- For a less sweet version, simply reduce the honey slightly.
- Add the nuggets at the end and toss quickly so they stay as crisp as possible.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 969mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 254IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
