Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken Recipe

Bright, tangy, and positively irresistible, Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is a vibrant twist on a favorite takeout classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Every morsel is coated in a luscious, sticky orange sauce that’s equal parts sweet and savory, with a gentle zing of ginger and just the right little kick of chili. Whether you’re a seasoned Blackstone griddle fan or just discovering the joy of griddled dinners, this recipe promises a fast, fuss-free meal that exceeds all expectations and leaves your kitchen smelling downright heavenly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken is a breeze, but each piece plays a big part in building flavor, texture, and the tempting orange glaze. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need—each one brings this dish to delicious life!

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (3 pounds): Thighs are fantastic for their juiciness and flavor, and they won’t dry out on the griddle.
• Avocado oil (1-2 tablespoons): Neutral flavor and high smoke point make this oil perfect for hot griddle cooking.
• Bell pepper, chopped (1 large): A pop of color and a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with the bold orange sauce.
• Onion, chopped (1/2 small): Adds a subtle savory base that balances out the sweetness of the dish.
• Orange, thinly sliced (1/2 medium): Adds fresh citrusy bite and lovely visual appeal.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Orange juice (1 cup): The starring liquid for your sauce, providing a naturally bright citrus flavor.
• Orange marmalade (2 tablespoons): Deeply sweet and slightly bitter, it thickens the sauce and intensifies the orange essence.
• White sugar (1/2 cup): Helps create that iconic, sticky, shiny finish to the sauce.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a salty, umami background to round out the sweetness.
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): A splash of acid keeps everything fresh and lifts the flavor profile.
• Ginger, minced (1/2 teaspoon): Fresh or squeezable, it gives the sauce a zesty, warming bite.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For savory depth and aromatic punch.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat; adjust up or down according to your spice preference.
• Cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles: The ideal base for soaking up all that glorious orange sauce.
• Sliced green onions (for garnish): Fresh, colorful, and a little bit sharp on top—totally optional but highly recommended!

How to Make Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming away any visible fat from your chicken thighs—this keeps the final dish lean and tasty. Slice the thighs into hearty, bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking. Toss them in a big bowl with avocado oil and a scattering of salt and pepper, making sure every piece gets a glossy, seasoned coating. This step sets you up for beautifully golden, juicy chicken on the griddle later on!

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

While your griddle preheats (aim for a sizzle at around 375-400 degrees F), mix up the orange sauce in a small saucepan right on top of the griddle. Pour in the orange juice, marmalade, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir well—it will smell divine in just a minute! Let it warm through until the sugar melts completely, creating a shiny, fragrant sauce. Slide the pan off the heat and set it aside for the main event.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Spread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the hot griddle and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes without moving them. This patience guarantees a golden-brown crust that locks in all that juiciness. Flip each piece, and keep cooking until the chicken registers an internal temp of 150-160 degrees F. It’s OK if it’s a bit under now—the next step finishes everything perfectly.

Step 4: Add and Reduce the Sauce

Scoot all your cooked chicken into a generous pile on the griddle and trickle over half of that lovely orange sauce. Give it a quick toss to coat, then pour over the rest. The sauce will bubble up, coat every morsel, and start to reduce right before your eyes. Stir occasionally, adjusting the griddle heat as needed, until the sauce clings thickly to each piece, creating that unmistakable sheen of Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken.

How to Serve Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. A bit of orange zest or even a few extra orange segments add incredible citrus aroma and brilliant color. These little touches turn the Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken from a weeknight favorite into a company-worthy showpiece.

Side Dishes

This vibrant chicken shines with fluffy white rice, tender cauliflower rice, or a nest of hot noodles to soak up that sticky sauce. A side of quick sauteed snap peas or steamed broccoli brings crisp, green balance to your table, making each forkful more exciting than the last.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want something extra fun, pile the Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken into lettuce cups, top a rice bowl with it alongside fresh cucumber and shredded carrots, or offer it as part of a DIY taco bar. The leftovers are also amazing stirred into a stir-fry or even spooned over a baked sweet potato for a quirky handheld dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any cooled Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It keeps surprisingly well for up to 4 days, and the flavors seem to meld and intensify overnight.

Freezing

This dish also freezes extremely well! Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out any excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the rice or noodles separately if you’ve already combined them, and let everything thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave in bursts or gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat until piping hot and finish with more green onions or a fresh squeeze of citrus for brightness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though thighs are the juiciest and most forgiving on the griddle. If you swap to breast, watch your cook time closely to avoid drying out the meat and keep that signature Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken tenderness.

How spicy is Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken?

The heat level is mild, thanks to just a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce. For a no-heat version, simply leave out the pepper flakes altogether.

Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce up to three days in advance, store it in the fridge, and warm it gently before tossing with the chicken. This is a game-changer for quick weeknight prep and makes throwing together Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken a total breeze.

What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

Bell peppers and onions are a classic base, but you can toss in sliced carrots, broccoli florets, snap peas, or even zucchini. Just make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the chicken.

Do I need a Blackstone griddle to make this recipe?

Not at all! While a Blackstone griddle gives unbeatable texture and sear, you can use a large cast iron skillet or any heavy frying pan on your stovetop. The key is to use high heat and avoid crowding the pan, so everything browns beautifully and stays juicy.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a homemade pan of Juicy Blackstone Orange Chicken. Brimming with bright flavors, quick to pull together, and endlessly customizable, this dish is all about making happy memories around the table. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to special celebrations!

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