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Orange Chicken With Chicken Nuggets

Orange chicken with chicken nuggets pairs crispy baked nuggets with a sticky, tangy orange sauce. This quick takeout-style dinner comes together in about 20 minutes with a thickened cornstarch glaze and an even coating.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 740
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Orange Chicken With Chicken Nuggets
  • 24 oz frozen breaded chicken nuggets
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • 0.3333333333 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
  • 0.25 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Bake the nuggets
  1. Bake the frozen breaded chicken nuggets according to package directions on a sheet pan until crispy, turning if the package instructs. Aim for a golden, crisp exterior, about 12–15 minutes.
Make the orange sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves. Keep it at a gentle simmering temperature, stirring for about 2–3 minutes.
Thicken the sauce
  1. Pour the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce and stir well to combine. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until visibly thickened and glossy.
Coat and garnish
  1. Toss the baked nuggets in the warm orange sauce until fully coated. Stir gently so the nuggets are evenly glazed without breaking.
Serve
  1. Transfer the coated nuggets to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds while the sauce is still sticky.
Timing tip
  1. Serve immediately over rice for the best texture. Don’t let them sit too long, since the coating softens as steam builds.

Notes

For maximum crunch, bake the nuggets until deeply golden, then toss them in the warm sauce right away. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 400°F (205°C) oven or air fryer to re-crisp, then rewarm with a spoonful of extra sauce if needed. Freezing is not recommended because the nuggets can lose their crispness after thawing. If you want a lighter sauce, reduce the sugar to 2 tbsp and increase orange juice by 1–2 tbsp to keep the flavor balanced.