Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings the flavors of your favorite Asian takeout right to your kitchen, then you’ll absolutely love this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken! It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those cozy family gatherings when everyone is craving something delicious.

What I adore about this dish is how it fills the house with amazing aromas while cooking. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors are sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Trust me, once you try this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken, you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a fantastic meal ready in under an hour!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves orange chicken! This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for variety.
• Make ahead: The flavors only get better if you let it sit overnight in the fridge, which makes it great for meal prep!
• Flavor explosion: The combination of fresh oranges, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 large bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 small onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 medium orange, thinly sliced with seeds removed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade (such as Smucker’s)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced (squeezable type works well)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

To Serve

• Serve with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles
• Garnish with sliced green onions

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner cut.
• Add more veggies: Toss in broccoli florets or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for more heat or add some chili paste into the sauce.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free without losing any flavor.

How to Make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and allows all those delicious flavors from the sauce to soak in. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In your Blackstone griddle or skillet over medium-high heat, add avocado oil. Once hot, toss in your chopped bell pepper and onion. Sauté them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized—this will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Next up is adding in that seasoned chicken! Stir everything together so the chicken gets coated in those lovely vegetable juices. Cook until it’s browned on all sides; this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange marmalade, white sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This concoction will give our dish that signature sweet-and-sour flavor that everyone loves!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your chicken is nicely browned and cooked through (no pink inside!), pour in that beautiful sauce we just made. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened slightly—this allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally! Serve your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken over cooked white rice or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh green onions for that extra pop of flavor! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Cooking this delicious dish at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow these simple tips to elevate your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken!

• Use high-quality chicken thighs: Starting with tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures that your dish will be juicy and flavorful. Unlike breast meat, thighs retain moisture better during cooking.

• Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step infuses the meat with a zesty taste that makes every bite irresistible.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking, give each piece of chicken enough space on the Blackstone griddle. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing, leaving you with less crispy and flavorful results.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: The amount of sugar and marmalade can be modified based on your preference for sweetness. Taste the sauce as it cooks and add more sugar or orange marmalade if you like it sweeter!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, making it even more succulent when served.

How to Serve Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Serving this vibrant dish can enhance its appeal and make your meal feel extra special! Here are some ideas on how to present your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Freshly sliced green onions add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your dish.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings an appealing texture as well as a nutty flavor that complements the orange sauce.
• Fresh cilantro leaves: For an aromatic touch, adding some fresh cilantro leaves can brighten up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cooked white rice: Fluffy white rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious orange sauce. It’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!

• Cauliflower rice: For a lighter option, cauliflower rice serves as a fantastic substitute that still allows you to enjoy all those amazing flavors without the carbs.

• Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli stir-fried in a bit of sesame oil is not only nutritious but adds a delightful crunch alongside your chicken.

• Noodles: Cooked noodles, whether they are soba or rice noodles, serve as another hearty base that pairs wonderfully with the juicy chicken and tangy sauce!

Enjoy creating this delightful meal for yourself and loved ones; each bite is sure to bring smiles around your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and enjoy delicious, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of orange juice to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken without chicken thighs?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that they may cook faster than thighs.

How do I ensure my Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is really juicy?

The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Marinating also helps enhance juiciness, so consider marinating your chicken beforehand!

What should I serve with Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for more color and nutrients.

Can I adjust the spice level of Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

Definitely! If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add more if you enjoy spicy food!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that brings those beloved takeout flavors right into your kitchen while being super simple to whip up. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sides or garnishes—make it your own! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to dig into this delicious meal!