Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that feels like a treat, you’ve come to the right place! This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is not just an easy weeknight dinner; it’s also perfect for family gatherings and casual get-togethers with friends. The bright flavors of orange combined with tender chicken create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I love making this recipe because it’s simple enough for even the busiest nights, yet it feels special enough to serve on a weekend. Plus, with the vibrant colors from the bell pepper and orange, it’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and tangy sauce makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep all your ingredients in advance, making dinner time a breeze!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a variety of meals.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The colorful veggies and garnishes make this dish not only tasty but also beautiful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully in this dish.

For the Chicken

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

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

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast or tofu instead of thighs for a different texture.
• Add more veggies: Throw in snap peas or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Change up the citrus: Substitute lemon or lime juice for a zesty twist.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you love heat!

How to Make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and allows them to soak up all those delicious flavors from the sauce. Season them lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In your Blackstone griddle or skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they soften and become fragrant—this usually takes about 5 minutes. These veggies add so much flavor and color to your dish!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to your sautéed veggies. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and cooked through—this should take around 8-10 minutes. Cooking the chicken perfectly ensures it remains juicy and tender.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange marmalade, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sweet-and-sour mixture over your chicken and veggies in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow everything to simmer together for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is crucial as it melds all those wonderful flavors together into one harmonious dish!

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken over fluffy white rice or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions for that final touch of freshness! Enjoy every flavorful bite—you deserve it!

Now you have an easy-to-follow recipe that anyone can enjoy! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Cooking Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs adds moisture and flavor compared to chicken breasts, keeping your dish juicy and tender.
• Preheat your Blackstone griddle: A well-preheated griddle ensures that your chicken sears nicely, locking in the juices and giving you that perfect caramelization on the outside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary allows for even cooking and prevents steaming. This way, each piece of chicken gets the attention it deserves!
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to decrease the sugar or orange marmalade. Balancing sweetness with acidity can enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Incorporate fresh herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or basil as a garnish can elevate the flavor and add a pop of color to your dish.

How to Serve Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

When it comes to serving Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken, presentation is key! Here are some ideas to make your dish not only taste amazing but look incredible too.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These bright green slices add a fresh crunch and a beautiful pop of color that complements the vibrant orange tones of the dish.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing texture that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

• Cooked white rice: This classic side is perfect for soaking up all that delicious orange sauce. It’s simple yet satisfying!
• Cauliflower rice: For a lighter option, cauliflower rice provides a low-carb alternative while still being fluffy and ready to absorb flavors.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots can add contrast in both taste and texture while incorporating more nutrition into your meal.
• Noodles: Whether you choose lo mein or rice noodles, they provide a delightful chewiness that pairs perfectly with the saucy chicken.

Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with your homemade Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade takeout flavors throughout the week. Here are some simple tips for storing and reheating your dish.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken cool completely.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Add a splash of orange juice if needed to keep the chicken juicy while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

Yes! You can definitely substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

How do I make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. You could also include sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Absolutely! While avocado oil is great for high-heat cooking, you can also use canola oil or vegetable oil as alternatives.

What should I serve with Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a healthier option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken recipe as I am! It’s truly special because it captures the vibrant flavors of takeout while being easy and fun to prepare at home. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your side dishes! I’d love to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!