This Orange Chicken Recipe delivers crispy chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and flavorful citrus sauce that tastes even better than takeout. With fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, and a perfectly balanced glaze, this homemade favorite is ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden chicken pieces
- Sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce
- Better than restaurant takeout
- Family-friendly and easy to make
- Perfect with rice or noodles
- Simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup flour
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Orange Chicken Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Orange zest from 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Green onions
- Orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the sauce and whisk continuously. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in fresh orange zest.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
Place whisked eggs in another shallow bowl.
Dip chicken pieces into the eggs, then coat well in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes, turning often, until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Toss crispy chicken with the homemade orange chicken sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and orange zest.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken.
- Adjust chili flakes based on spice preference.
- Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Air fry the chicken for a lighter version.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Chicken thighs may be used for juicier texture.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
What is Orange Chicken made of?
Orange Chicken is made with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
How do I keep Orange Chicken crispy?
Fry the chicken in small batches and toss with sauce right before serving.
Can I bake Orange Chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry until crispy.
Is Orange Chicken spicy?
It has mild heat from red chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Similar Recipes
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 eggs whisked
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup flour
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Orange Chicken Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Orange zest from 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Green onions
- Orange zest
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the sauce and whisk continuously. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in fresh orange zest.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Place whisked eggs in another shallow bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces into the eggs, then coat well in the flour mixture.
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
- Working in batches, fry chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes, turning often, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Toss crispy chicken with the homemade orange chicken sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and orange zest.
Notes
Conclusion
This Orange Chicken Recipe is the perfect combination of crispy chicken and bold citrus flavor. It is easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for homemade takeout nights. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite.