Ever have one of those nights where you’re staring into the fridge, hoping dinner will magically appear? You want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t require a ton of work. Well, honey, let me tell you about this Sticky Orange Chicken with Lo Mein Noodles. It’s my go-to when I need a win that’s faster than calling for takeout. The sauce is just the right kind of sweet and tangy, and those noodles soak up every last drop. So good.
Why You’ll Love This
This dish is the whole package. It comes together in about 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The sauce is made from simple pantry staples, so you probably have most of it on hand already. It’s a fantastic cheap dinner for a family that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And honestly? My family goes absolutely quiet when this hits the table. The only sound is happy chewing. That’s a win in my book.
Equipements Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (the main event)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for that perfect saucy cling)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti (the comforting base)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for a fresh pop at the end)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for a little garnish)
- For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh is great, but from the carton works perfectly)
- 1/3 cup honey (for natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (for that essential tang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because flavor)
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (it makes all the difference)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (for that deep, nutty flavor)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a tiny kick)
Step By Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your noodles.
- While the water heats, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
- Add your noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir and let it all get cozy for another minute until the sauce is thick and sticky and beautifully coats the chicken.
- Add your drained noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are completely covered in that glorious sticky orange sauce.
- Garnish with those sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This dish is a complete meal all on its own, but if you’re looking for some easy dinner ideas to round it out, a simple side salad or some quick steamed broccoli works wonderfully. It cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, green element. For another one of our favorite supper ideas, try serving it with crispy egg rolls or steamed dumplings from the freezer aisle for a real fakeout-takeout night.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are a gluten-free variety, like brown rice noodles.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for a pound of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Coat and pan-fry it just like the chicken.
- Spice Lover: Add an extra 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce.
- Different Protein: This sauce is fantastic on shrimp or even thin slices of beef.
- No Noodles? Serve your sticky orange chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice instead.
Storage & Reheating
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up most of the sauce, but don’t you worry. The best way to reheat is with a splash of water or orange juice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warm. You can also use the microwave, but stir it every 30 seconds to heat it evenly. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the noodles can get a bit mushy upon thawing.
Tips For Success
- Don’t skip tossing the chicken in cornstarch. It helps create a slight crust and helps the sauce stick like a dream.
- Freshly grated ginger is so, so much more flavorful than the powdered stuff here. It’s worth the extra minute of effort.
- If your sauce isn’t thickening up to your liking, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
- Taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in! This is your chance to adjust the sweet or tangy levels to your family’s preference.
- And for a real lazy dinner shortcut, use a bag of pre-cut stir-fry chicken pieces to save on prep time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Sticky Orange Chicken ahead of time? You can absolutely mix the sauce ingredients together a day in advance and keep them in a jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before using. This is one of my favorite healthy dinner ideas for meal prep—just cook the chicken and noodles fresh when you’re ready to assemble for the best texture.
- My family isn’t big on spicy food. What should I do? Honestly, just leave the red pepper flakes out entirely. The dish will still have tons of flavor from the garlic, ginger, and orange.
- What are the best noodles to use for this? I specifically look for lo mein noodles in the international aisle, but if I can’t find them, regular spaghetti works in a pinch. It’s all about those dinner dishes that work with what you’ve got.
- Is this really a cheap dinner for a family? It sure is! Chicken and pantry staples keep the cost down, and it makes a large portion that easily feeds four. It’s a budget-friendly star in my rotation of quick dinner ideas.