Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken – Easy Skillet Chicken with Homemade Orange Teriyaki Sauce
This Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken is sweet, savory, citrusy, and coated in the most delicious homemade orange teriyaki sauce! Tender pieces of chicken are lightly coated in seasoned flour, pan-fried until beautifully golden brown, and tossed in a thick, glossy orange teriyaki glaze that’s bursting with fresh orange flavor.
And when you serve this delicious chicken over a big bowl of hot, fluffy rice, it’s absolutely wonderful!
If you love orange chicken and teriyaki chicken, this recipe combines the best of both. The fresh orange juice adds a bright, sweet citrus flavor, while soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and honey create that rich, sticky teriyaki glaze.
Everything comes together in one skillet, making this an easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or anytime you’re craving something that tastes like your favorite takeout.
The sauce is the star of this recipe. It’s thick, glossy, sweet, and savory, and it coats every golden piece of chicken beautifully. You’ll definitely want to spoon some extra sauce over the rice!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
- Better than takeout: Delicious homemade orange teriyaki flavor with simple ingredients.
- Sweet and savory: Fresh orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce create a perfectly balanced glaze.
- Easy skillet dinner: Ready in approximately 30–35 minutes.
- Tender, juicy chicken: Golden pan-fried chicken pieces stay tender and delicious.
- Perfect over rice: The sticky orange teriyaki sauce is wonderful with fluffy white rice.
- Family-friendly: A flavorful chicken dinner that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients for Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if needed
For the Sticky Orange Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
For Serving:
- 3–4 cups hot cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions, optional
- Sesame seeds, optional
- Extra orange teriyaki sauce
How to Make Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cut them into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Try to keep the chicken pieces relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until lightly coated on all sides.
Shake off any excess flour mixture.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown.
Turn the chicken and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and orange zest.
Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
If using sesame oil or crushed red pepper flakes, add them now.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Carefully remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving approximately 1 teaspoon along with any flavorful browned bits.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour the orange teriyaki sauce into the skillet.
Stir gently, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce will begin to smell wonderfully sweet, citrusy, and garlicky.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 2 Tablespoons cold water until smooth.
Slowly pour the mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking for approximately 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes beautifully glossy.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice.
Step 7: Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet
Return the golden pan-fried chicken pieces to the skillet.
Gently toss the chicken in the sticky orange teriyaki sauce until every piece is completely coated.
Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes, stirring gently.
The glaze should cling beautifully to the chicken, creating a rich, shiny orange coating.
Step 8: Serve Over Rice
Spoon a generous helping of hot, fluffy white rice into serving bowls.
Add the sticky orange teriyaki chicken over the rice.
Spoon any extra sauce from the skillet over the top.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a little fresh orange zest if desired.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and delicious!
Jennie’s Thoughts
I love making homemade chicken dinners that taste like something you’d order from your favorite Chinese restaurant, and this Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken is absolutely delicious!
The combination of sweet orange flavor and savory teriyaki sauce is just so good.
I wanted the chicken to have a beautiful golden coating that would hold onto all that sticky sauce, so I lightly dredged the chicken pieces in seasoned flour and cornstarch before pan-frying them.
Then I made the orange teriyaki sauce right in the same skillet.
Fresh orange juice makes such a difference in this recipe because it gives the sauce a bright, fresh citrus flavor that balances the honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
And when the sauce starts to thicken, it becomes this beautiful, glossy orange glaze that coats every piece of chicken.
I served mine over hot, fluffy rice, and it was the perfect combination!
The rice soaks up all that delicious orange teriyaki sauce, and the chicken stays tender and juicy.
I also love that this is an easy skillet dinner. You don’t need a deep fryer or any complicated ingredients to make something that tastes this good.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade dinner that’s a little different from your usual chicken recipes.
And if you love extra sauce like I do, you can always make a little more to spoon over the rice!
Tips for Making the Best Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Use Fresh Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a bright, natural citrus flavor.
Bottled orange juice will work, but fresh orange juice and zest make this recipe especially delicious.
Don’t Skip the Orange Zest
Orange zest adds a wonderful concentrated orange flavor without making the sauce too watery.
Cut the Chicken Evenly
Keeping the chicken pieces about the same size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet
Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Overcrowding the pan can cause the chicken to steam instead of developing a beautiful golden crust.
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the sauce from becoming too salty, especially since it reduces as it cooks.
Let the Sauce Thicken
The cornstarch slurry creates that wonderful sticky, glossy teriyaki glaze.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon.
Add the Chicken at the End
Returning the chicken to the skillet after the sauce thickens helps preserve its golden coating and prevents it from becoming overly soft.
Make Extra Sauce for the Rice
If you love saucy chicken dinners, make an additional half batch of orange teriyaki sauce.
It’s wonderful spooned over fluffy rice!
What Makes Orange Teriyaki Chicken Sticky?
The sticky texture comes from the combination of honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a syrupy glaze, while brown sugar gives the sauce a rich caramel-like flavor.
The cornstarch thickens the liquid ingredients, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.
As the sauce simmers, it becomes beautifully thick and sticky without needing to cook for a long time.
When you add the chicken back to the skillet, the sauce coats each piece in a delicious orange teriyaki glaze.
What to Serve with Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
My favorite way to serve this chicken is over hot, fluffy white rice, but there are plenty of delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with it.
- Steamed White Rice
- Jasmine Rice
- Brown Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Garlic Butter Rice
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Steamed Broccoli
- Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Sesame Noodles
- Asian Cucumber Salad
Delicious Variations
Spicy Orange Teriyaki Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
Orange Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for an extra juicy version.
Honey Orange Chicken: Increase the honey slightly and reduce the brown sugar for a stronger honey flavor.
Garlic Orange Teriyaki Chicken: Add an extra 2 cloves of minced garlic for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Pineapple Orange Teriyaki Chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Orange Sesame Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished chicken for extra texture and flavor.
Orange Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli to the skillet when you return the chicken to the sauce.
Crockpot Orange Teriyaki Chicken: Add uncoated chicken and the sauce ingredients, except the cornstarch slurry, to a slow cooker. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F and is tender, then thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry near the end.
Can You Make Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! This recipe is wonderful for meal prep and make-ahead dinners.
You can prepare the orange teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can also cut the chicken into pieces and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
For the best texture, I recommend coating and pan-frying the chicken shortly before serving.
If you’re making the entire recipe ahead of time, store the chicken and sauce together and reheat gently.
How to Store Leftover Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Store leftover rice separately in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
How to Reheat Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken
Skillet: Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of water or orange juice and stir gently until heated through to 165°F.
Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until thoroughly heated.
Oven: Place the chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish and reheat at 325°F until heated through.
Reheat refrigerated rice until steaming hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken?
Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken is a sweet and savory chicken dish made with golden pan-fried chicken pieces coated in a thick, glossy sauce of orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Is Orange Teriyaki Chicken the Same as Orange Chicken?
Not exactly. Traditional American-style orange chicken is often deep-fried and coated in a sweet citrus sauce. Orange teriyaki chicken combines orange flavor with a teriyaki-inspired sauce featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sweeteners.
Can I Use Bottled Orange Juice?
Yes! Bottled orange juice works well, although freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a brighter flavor.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay tender and juicy.
How Do I Make Orange Teriyaki Sauce Thicker?
Whisk together a little cornstarch and cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Why Is My Orange Teriyaki Sauce Too Thin?
The sauce may need to simmer a little longer, or it may need a small amount of additional cornstarch slurry.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken and gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check all packaged ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
What Kind of Rice Is Best?
Jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, and brown rice all work beautifully with sticky orange teriyaki chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a little chili garlic sauce to the orange teriyaki glaze.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes to Try
If you love this Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken, be sure to try some of these other delicious chicken recipes!
- Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Teriyaki Bites
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
- Hot Honey Chicken Bites
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Orange Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Sweet Chili Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken is such an easy and delicious way to make a homemade chicken dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout!
With tender, golden chicken pieces, a rich and glossy orange teriyaki glaze, and the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors, it’s a recipe the whole family will love.
Serve it over hot, fluffy rice with plenty of extra sauce for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Save this easy Sticky Orange Teriyaki Chicken recipe for later and make it for your next family dinner!
