Looking for a fast and flavorful chicken recipe that’ll brighten up your dinner table?

These Orange Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with a sweet citrusy glaze that’s perfectly balanced by soy, ginger, and a hint of sesame.

Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights

Bold, tangy-sweet flavor from real orange juice and honey

Pan-seared, not deep-fried – a lighter take on a classic

Kid-friendly and customizable – great with rice or noodles

Minimal cleanup with one pan and one bowl!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Boneless skinless chicken thighs – juicy and tender when pan-seared

Soy sauce – adds umami depth

Freshly squeezed orange juice – for natural sweetness and brightness

Honey – helps glaze the chicken and balances acidity

Ginger – adds a warm zing that ties it all together

Sesame oil – boosts flavor with just a teaspoon

Butter – finishes the glaze with a velvety richness

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use fresh orange juice – it makes a big difference in flavor

Trim excess fat from chicken thighs for cleaner bites

Cut chicken evenly so it cooks at the same speed

Don’t overcook the glaze – it thickens fast once boiling

Add green onions and sesame seeds right before serving for color and texture

How to Make Orange Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 – Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ginger, and sesame oil.

This sweet-savory mixture will flavor both the chicken and the final glaze.

Step 2 – Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.

Add to the marinade, stir to coat, then cover and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while you prep the rest.

Step 3 – Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

Use a slotted spoon to lift the chicken from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and place into the hot pan.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and fully cooked.

Step 4 – Make the Glaze
Transfer the chicken to a bowl and return the reserved marinade to the pan.

Add butter and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until slightly thickened.

Step 5 – Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat in the glaze.

Serve immediately over hot rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

What to Serve It With

Steamed jasmine or buttery white rice

Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas

Rice noodles or soba noodles

Fresh cucumber salad for crunch

Wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option

Variations / Substitutions

Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat

Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat

Swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar

Add orange zest for more citrus punch

Make it gluten-free using tamari instead of soy sauce

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months

Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through

Meal prep tip: Keep the sauce and chicken separate until ready to serve to maintain texture

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook fresh when ready to eat.

Do I need to use fresh orange juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled 100% orange juice will work in a pinch.

Can I use a different protein?
This glaze also works well with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced pork.

Why add butter to the glaze?
It helps thicken the sauce and adds a glossy finish and depth of flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! But you can add chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce if you like heat.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be sure to sear the chicken in batches so it browns instead of steaming.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

These orange chicken bites are a fast, fresh, and flavorful way to elevate your weeknight dinner.

With juicy chicken and a sticky-sweet glaze, they hit all the right notes—zesty, savory, and just a little indulgent.

Try them once, and they’ll likely become a repeat favorite!