Orange Chicken vs. Honey Chicken: Which Recipe Reigns Supreme?

Discover how to create two delicious chicken dishes — orange chicken and honey chicken — and find out which one stands out in terms of flavor and ease of preparation. Both recipes offer a blend of savory and sweet flavors that are perfect for a satisfying meal prep option.

Key Takeaway

Explore the flavors of orange chicken and honey chicken in this detailed recipe comparison. Learn how simple ingredients can transform into flavorful meals that are ideal for weekly meal planning.

Ingredients and Preparation

Orange Chicken

• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 15 grams, minced
• Orange Zest: From 1 orange
• Orange Juice: 125 milliliters (from 1.5 oranges)
• Light Soy Sauce: 80 milliliters
• Honey: 100 grams
• Rice Wine Vinegar: 50 milliliters (or white vinegar)
• Corn Flour: 17 grams
• Sea Salt Flakes: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Chicken Thighs: 1 kilogram, boneless and skinless
• Onion Powder: 5 grams
• Olive Oil: 60 milliliters
• Coriander (Cilantro): 15 grams, chopped

Honey Chicken (Not detailed here for brevity)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Mince garlic and ginger separately.
• Zest one orange and juice enough for 125 milliliters.
• Chop coriander for rice.

1. Make Orange Chicken Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, orange zest, light soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, corn flour, sea salt flakes, and black pepper.
• Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

1. Prepare Chicken:

• Slice chicken thighs into even pieces. Season with onion powder, sea salt flakes, black pepper, and olive oil.
• Mix until chicken is evenly coated.

1. Cook Rice:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and ginger paste for 45 seconds.
• Add long grain rice and chicken stock. Season with sea salt flakes.
• Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then stir in chopped coriander.

1. Cook Orange Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6 minutes without stirring.
• Stir and cook for another 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
• Add prepared orange chicken sauce. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
• Optional: Garnish with black sesame seeds and spring onions.

1. Serve and Store:

• Divide coriander ginger rice and orange chicken into meal prep containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot.

Cost and Nutritional Breakdown

Orange Chicken

Ingredient	Cost Estimate (USD)	Calories (per serving)	Protein (per serving)
Garlic	$0.50	–	–
Ginger	$0.30	–	–
Orange (zest & juice)	$1.50	–	–
Light Soy Sauce	$1.00	–	–
Honey	$1.50	–	–
Rice Wine Vinegar	$1.00	–	–
Corn Flour	$0.20	–	–
Chicken Thighs	$7.00	–	–
Onion Powder	$0.30	–	–
Olive Oil	$0.50	–	–
Coriander (Cilantro)	$0.50	–	–

Note: Costs and nutritional values are approximate and may vary.

Serving and Enjoying

• Serving: Enjoy the orange chicken alongside coriander ginger rice for a flavorful and balanced meal prep option. Customize with additional garnishes like sesame seeds and spring onions for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Properly stored, these meal prep containers will keep your meals fresh for several days, making them ideal for busy weeknights or packed lunches.

Explore the flavors of both orange chicken and honey chicken to see which one becomes your new favorite. Each dish offers a unique blend of ingredients that elevate the taste of simple chicken into a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re preparing meals for the week or looking for a new dinner idea, these recipes are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and ease of preparation.