Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, then let me introduce you to my beloved Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken! This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also brings the sweet and tangy taste of orange to your table in a delightful way. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone will want seconds.

What makes this recipe special is how approachable it is. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull it off, and the ingredients are simple enough that you probably have most of them on hand. Plus, it’s always nice to know that you can create a takeout favorite right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: The sweet flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone will be asking for more.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, making it even easier for those busy evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and stress-free! For this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken, you’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Veggies

• 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.

Variations

The beauty of this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or cooking methods. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some snap peas or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Increase the red pepper flakes if you love some heat!
• Make it citrusy: Try adding lime juice or zest for an additional layer of flavor.

How to Make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all that amazing orange sauce later on. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In your Blackstone griddle, drizzle some avocado oil and let it heat up. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized—this brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Push the veggies to one side of the griddle and add your seasoned chicken pieces. Let them cook until browned on all sides. This step ensures that every piece is juicy and flavorful!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, marmalade, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken and veggies on the griddle.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Allow everything to simmer together for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is essential because it lets all those flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once done cooking, serve your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken over warm rice or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh green onions! Enjoy each bite as you savor this homemade takeout classic.

Pro Tips for Making Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Cooking at home can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use high-quality chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more flavorful than breasts, ensuring your dish remains tender and succulent.
• Marinate for extra flavor: If time allows, marinating the chicken in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor profile and tenderness of the meat.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken, locking in the juices and creating a delicious texture.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference, feel free to modify the amount of sugar or orange marmalade. A bit more sweetness can balance the tanginess of the orange juice beautifully.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain its juices, making every bite even more delicious.

How to Serve Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Presenting your Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken can elevate not just the dish but also your dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: Adding fresh green onions not only adds color but also brings a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Cooked white rice: A classic choice that soaks up all those delicious orange sauce flavors and balances out the meal perfectly.
• Cauliflower rice: For a lighter option, cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative that pairs well with this vibrant dish while keeping things healthy.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds freshness and nutrients to your plate while complementing the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
• Noodles: Whether you choose udon or rice noodles, they provide a satisfying chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the zesty orange sauce.

Enjoy your cooking adventure! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your homemade Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of orange juice for moisture if needed.
• For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel and heat on high in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

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

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

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer them over thighs. Just keep in mind that they may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How do I make my Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken spicier?

To amp up the spice level, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even slicing fresh chili peppers into the dish. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!

Can I make this dish without orange marmalade?

Yes! If you don’t have orange marmalade, you could substitute it with honey or another fruit preserve that complements orange flavors. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.

What should I serve with my Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor and freshness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken as much as I do! It’s not just a flavorful dish; it’s also a wonderful way to bring some homemade Asian-inspired goodness into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it all by yourself, I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite. Happy cooking!