Hi home cooks,
If you are craving crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky citrus glaze, this Blackstone orange chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It is quick, packed with flavor, and made right on the griddle for those irresistible crispy edges.
This easy dinner tastes like takeout but comes together with simple pantry ingredients and fresh orange flavor. The best part is how fast everything cooks on the Blackstone.
If your family loves easy griddle dinners, you should also try this Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry Recipe or this delicious Blackstone Teriyaki Chicken Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Griddle Orange Chicken
This recipe checks all the busy weeknight boxes.
Quick to make
Everything cooks in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Crispy chicken bites
The cornstarch coating creates that restaurant-style crispy texture right on the griddle.
Sweet and tangy sauce
Fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar create a glossy homemade glaze.
Perfect for meal prep
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
For a full list of ingredients and their exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Chicken
Boneless chicken breast
Chicken breast cooks quickly and stays juicy when diced into bite-sized pieces.
Cornstarch
This is the secret to crispy chicken bites on the griddle.
Salt and pepper
Simple seasoning lets the orange sauce shine.
Avocado oil
A high smoke point oil works best for Blackstone cooking.
Orange Sauce
Orange juice
Fresh orange flavor gives this dish its signature sweet citrus taste.
Soy sauce
Adds savory balance and depth.
Brown sugar
Creates that sticky takeout-style glaze everyone loves.
Garlic and ginger
These add warmth and classic takeout flavor.
Rice vinegar
Balances the sweetness with a little tang.
How to Make Blackstone Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Place diced chicken into a bowl or zip-top bag.
Add cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
Set aside while the griddle heats.
Step 3: Heat the Blackstone
Preheat your griddle to medium high heat.
Spread avocado oil evenly across the cooking surface.
Step 4: Cook the Crispy Chicken Bites
Place the coated chicken on the griddle in a single layer.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour half the sauce onto the chicken.
Stir continuously while the sauce thickens.
Add the remaining sauce and continue cooking until the chicken is glossy and coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your griddle orange chicken over rice or noodles.
Top with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Emily’s Kitchen Shortcuts (Expert Tips)
Dry the chicken first
Patting the chicken dry helps the cornstarch stick better.
Do not overcrowd the griddle
Give the chicken space so it crisps instead of steaming.
Use fresh orange juice when possible
Fresh juice gives the sauce brighter flavor.
Prep the sauce ahead
Mix the sauce ingredients earlier in the day to save time during dinner rush.
The Science of Simple Cooking
Simple cooking methods often work best because they focus on heat and texture.
The Blackstone griddle creates direct high heat that quickly browns the cornstarch-coated chicken. That browning creates flavor through caramelization while keeping the inside juicy.
The sauce thickens naturally as the sugar reduces on the hot griddle surface. This creates that glossy restaurant-style coating without complicated ingredients.
Easy Variations
Spicy Orange Chicken
Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Honey Orange Chicken
Swap brown sugar for honey for a richer glaze.
Orange Chicken Stir Fry
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas directly onto the griddle.
Chicken Thigh Version
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy bites.
What to Serve with Griddle Orange Chicken
This recipe pairs perfectly with:
- White rice
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Grilled vegetables
- Egg rolls
Common Kitchen Questions (FAQ)
Yes. A large cast iron skillet works great too.
Cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the cooking surface.
You can, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and less processed.
Chicken should reach 165 degrees F internally.
Yes. Store cooled orange chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in portions for easy lunches or dinners.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet or air fryer for the crispiest texture.
Microwaving works too, but the coating may soften slightly.
Blackstone Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
For the Orange Sauce
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 orange zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss diced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium high heat.
- Spread avocado oil evenly across the griddle surface.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour half the sauce over the chicken and stir continuously.
- Once thickened, add remaining sauce and continue cooking until fully coated.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
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