If you’ve ever craved that perfect mix of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet citrus glaze, this Orange Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. It captures the irresistible balance of flavors that make this dish a beloved classic, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal you can whip up right at home. Every bite offers that delightful crunch followed by a burst of orange-infused sauce, making it impossible not to smile with each forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Orange Chicken Recipe. From the crispy coating to the rich, flavorful sauce, they work together in harmony to create that iconic taste and texture.
- Chicken (1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Bite-sized pieces provide the perfect canvas for crispy coating and sauce absorption.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Adds crispiness to the chicken’s coating, giving that irresistible crunch.
- Large eggs (2, beaten): Help the flour and cornstarch mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Works with cornstarch to build a light but crispy coating.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures the chicken cooks evenly to golden crisp perfection.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon, optional): A splash adds a lovely nutty aroma to the sauce.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Provides a fresh, zesty kick enhancing the orange flavor.
- Orange juice (¾ cup, fresh or store-bought): The star of the sauce, bringing bright sweetness and tang.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds savory umami and rich color to complement the oranges.
- Granulated sugar (â…“ cup): Balances the tang with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Lifts the sauce with a mild acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce beautifully to coat the chicken evenly.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a concentrated burst of citrus aroma.
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Add freshness and a delightful visual contrast on top.
How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This foundational step ensures every bit of chicken bursts with flavor. Set up two bowls – one with beaten eggs and the other with a mixture of flour and cornstarch – to dredge your chicken properly. This coating mix is the key to that crispy exterior we all love.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry your coated chicken pieces in batches, giving them plenty of space to cook evenly without steaming. Each batch should take about 4 to 5 minutes until golden and irresistibly crisp. Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil so the coating stays crunchy.
Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Orange Sauce
In a clean pan or wok, gently heat sesame oil if using, then add minced garlic and fresh ginger. Sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes – this step releases those warm aromatics that build the sauce’s flavor. Pour in orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and toss in the orange zest. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Add your crispy fried chicken to the bubbling orange sauce and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes to soak up all those bright, tangy flavors, making each bite juicy and delicious.
How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are the perfect finishing touches, adding pops of color and a gentle crunch that complements both the sauce and chicken beautifully. These garnishes lift the dish from tasty to truly special.
Side Dishes
The best companions for your Orange Chicken Recipe are steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even stir-fried vegetables. These sides soak up the luscious sauce and round out the meal, making it satisfying and well-balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving this dish in individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra orange zest and a wedge of fresh orange on the side. Or, pile the chicken over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage for an unexpected twist that adds texture and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to enjoy the next day without losing any of that fantastic flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. Place each in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they can keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or toss them in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or extra orange juice when warming can keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this Orange Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, so feel free to use whichever you prefer.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier twist, bake the coated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness. While the texture might be slightly different, it’s still delicious and lighter.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar or increase the rice vinegar slightly to balance the sweetness. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust to find your perfect sweet and tangy harmony.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, and make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to get extra crispy chicken?
Using a combination of cornstarch and flour in your dredging mix really helps create that coveted crispy texture. Also, frying in small batches without overcrowding the pan ensures the chicken stays beautifully crisp rather than soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Chicken Recipe is more than just dinner. It’s a bright, joyous celebration of flavors and textures that comes together with simple ingredients and a little love. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try, and enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This classic Orange Chicken recipe features crispy battered chicken pieces coated in a tangy and sweet homemade orange sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and orange zest, it promises a delicious Chinese-American takeout experience made right at home. Ideal for a family meal or easy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to season evenly. Set up a dredging station by placing the beaten eggs in one bowl and combining the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in another.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum crispiness when fried.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying. Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 4–5 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a clean pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat if using. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to build the flavor base.
- Make Orange Sauce: Add orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest to the pan. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer, blending the flavors together.
- Thicken Sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty crunch, and serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Notes
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a healthier option, bake or air fry the chicken pieces instead of deep frying to reduce oil content.
- Adjust the sugar and rice vinegar quantities in the sauce to customize sweetness or tanginess according to your taste preferences.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest greatly enhances the brightness of the sauce.
- Ensure the oil temperature is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve a crispy coating and prevent sogginess.
