Easy 20-Minute Orange Chicken (Tastes Just Like Takeout!)
This easy 20-minute orange chicken tastes just like takeout—crispy, saucy, and full of flavor. A quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love, served over rice or cauliflower rice!
Creator: Leslie Stokes
Some nights just call for comfort food—and if you’re like me, orange chicken is always at the top of that list. Sweet, tangy, sticky, and just the right amount of heat, it’s one of those classic takeout dishes that feels like a treat. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to wait on delivery or blow your macros to enjoy it. This easy 20-minute orange chicken recipe made with Bare nuggets brings all the flavor of takeout right to your kitchen—no deep fryer required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in 20 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
Better than takeout – Fresh orange juice, honey, and ginger make the sauce taste bright and homemade.
Family-friendly – My kids love it just as much as I do, and you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone.
Healthier twist – Using Bare nuggets keeps it high in protein and lighter than the restaurant version.
Let’s Talk About the Sauce
The real star of orange chicken is always the sauce, right? This one has just the right balance:
Fresh orange juice gives it that citrus punch.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos add savory depth.
A touch of honey or maple syrup sweetens without refined sugar.
Garlic + ginger bring it to life.
And if you’re like me and love a little kick, red pepper flakes make it pop.
You only need a few minutes on the stove to whisk it all together, and the cornstarch slurry gives it that glossy, sticky finish we all know and love.
How to Serve
I like to spoon the saucy nuggets over fluffy white rice, but brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa work just as well. Top it off with sesame seeds and green onions for that restaurant-style presentation.
You can also make this a complete meal by adding:
Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
A side salad with Asian-inspired dressing.
Cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low-carb.
Pro Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Air fryer hack: Spray the Bare nuggets lightly with avocado oil before air frying—this makes them extra crispy so they hold the sauce better.
Make it saucier: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce recipe and store half in a jar for meal prep or as a stir-fry base later in the week.
Veggie boost: Toss chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli in the sauce with the nuggets for a built-in side dish. It saves you from dirtying another pan.
Meal prep tip: Keep the nuggets and sauce separate if you’re packing lunches. Reheat the nuggets first, then toss with sauce so they don’t get soggy.
Easy 20-Minute Orange Chicken (with Bare Nuggets)
Ingredients
- 1 20 oz bag Bare chicken nuggets (about 20 nuggets)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice or cauliflower rice for low-carb
- 1 green onion sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- veggie suggestion: broccoli
For the Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup orange juice fresh squeezed if possible
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 –2 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust for sweetness
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated (or ½ tsp ground)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry for thickening
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Let's Make It
- Cook the nuggets: Air fry or bake Bare nuggets according to package directions until crispy.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken: Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Toss cooked nuggets in the orange sauce until coated.
- Serve: Spoon over rice or cauliflower rice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Information (per serving, with white rice)
Calories: 410
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 44g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 2g
(Macros will vary slightly depending on rice choice and exact nugget brand.)
