Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange Chicken is a sweet, tangy, and crispy chicken dish that is loved by people all around the world. It is made by coating small pieces of chicken in a light batter, frying them until golden and crunchy, and then tossing them in a sticky orange-flavored sauce. The sauce is usually made with orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and a little vinegar to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Even though it is inspired by Chinese cooking, Orange Chicken is mostly known as a Chinese-American takeout favorite that became popular in restaurants across the United States.

One of the best things about Orange Chicken is how fun and comforting it is to eat. The crispy chicken pieces soak up the glossy orange sauce while still keeping a bit of crunch, making every bite delicious. It tastes amazing with rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables. Kids and adults both enjoy this dish because it has a bright citrus flavor without being too spicy. If you love homemade takeout recipes that are easy to make and taste better than restaurant food, Orange Chicken is a recipe you should definitely try.

Why You Should Try the Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights because it comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes incredibly fresh. The homemade sauce has real orange flavor, which makes it brighter and more delicious than many store-bought versions. You also get to control the ingredients, meaning you can make it less sugary, less salty, or even a little spicy depending on what your family likes best.

Another reason to try this recipe is that it is fun to cook. The chicken becomes crispy and golden, while the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that smells wonderful in the kitchen. This recipe is also beginner-friendly, so even young cooks with adult supervision can help stir the sauce, coat the chicken, or squeeze the oranges. Once you taste homemade Orange Chicken, you may never want takeout again.

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Orange Chicken

Here is everything you need to make Orange Chicken

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons water
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

For Garnish

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds
• Orange slices

How to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, pat them dry with paper towels, then dip each piece into beaten eggs before coating them completely in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper so the chicken becomes crispy and golden once fried.

Step 2:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches for several minutes until they are crunchy, evenly golden brown, and fully cooked inside, then transfer them onto paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 3

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, then let the mixture simmer gently before stirring in a cornstarch slurry so the sauce thickens into a smooth, glossy, and flavorful orange glaze.

Step 4

Add the crispy fried chicken into the thickened orange sauce and toss everything together carefully until each piece is fully coated, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot with rice or noodles.

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Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Frying pan or deep skillet
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Small saucepan
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet or plate
• Zester or grater
• Serving bowl

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

Do not overcook the sauce or it may become too thick.

Use fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice for better flavor.

Pat the chicken dry before coating it for extra crispiness.

Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

What to Eat With Orange Chicken

I like making orange chicken when I want something sweet, savory, and full of flavor. The chicken turns tender and coated in a rich orange sauce that has the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and a little tang. It’s a fun and comforting meal that’s great for lunch or dinner. My daughter enjoys it because the sauce is flavorful without being too spicy. At home we usually serve it with rice and some simple vegetables on the side. It goes really well with cold lemonade, a fruit smoothie, or iced tea.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts ?

Yes, chicken thighs work very well because they stay juicy and flavorful after frying.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it ?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven for a lighter version that still tastes delicious.

How long does Orange Chicken last in the fridge ?

It can stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze Orange Chicken ?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Orange Chicken

Recipe by sophieCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: Easy to Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

520

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

Orange Chicken is a crispy and flavorful chicken dish coated in a sweet, tangy, and sticky orange sauce that tastes just like your favorite takeout meal but even fresher and more delicious when made at home.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup cornstarch

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

• 1 cup orange juice

• 2 tablespoons orange zest

• ⅓ cup soy sauce

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 3 tablespoons water

• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

• Green onions, sliced

• Sesame seeds

• Orange slices

Directions

• Step 1 :Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, pat them dry with paper towels, then dip each piece into beaten eggs before coating them completely in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper so the chicken becomes crispy and golden once fried.
• Step 2:Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches for several minutes until they are crunchy, evenly golden brown, and fully cooked inside, then transfer them onto paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Step 3: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, then let the mixture simmer gently before stirring in a cornstarch slurry so the sauce thickens into a smooth, glossy, and flavorful orange glaze.
• Step 4 :Add the crispy fried chicken into the thickened orange sauce and toss everything together carefully until each piece is fully coated, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

• Pat the chicken dry before coating it so the breading sticks better.
• Keep fried chicken warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches.
• Simmer the sauce gently so it thickens smoothly without burning.
• Add orange zest to make the sauce smell and taste more refreshing.

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