Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy chicken with sweet citrus glaze
- Better than takeout at home
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Great for family dinners
- Easy to customize with spice levels
- Pairs perfectly with rice or noodles
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless chicken pieces
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Eggs
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Green onions optional
- Sesame seeds optional
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and cornstarch.
- Dip the coated chicken into beaten eggs if desired for extra crispiness.
- Fry, bake, or air fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add red pepper flakes for spicy orange chicken.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy meat.
- Make it lighter by air frying the chicken.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for vegetables.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar.
- Serve with noodles instead of rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For crispier chicken, reheat in the oven or air fryer.
FAQs
What does orange chicken taste like?
It has a sweet, tangy, savory flavor with bright citrus notes.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, though fresh orange juice gives the best flavor.
Is orange chicken spicy?
Traditional orange chicken is mild, but spice can be added.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts both work well.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Yes, air frying creates a lighter crispy texture.
What sides go well with orange chicken?
Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or fried rice pair perfectly.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch mixed with water can be added to thicken the sauce.
Can I freeze orange chicken?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Add the sauce just before serving for the crispiest texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Conclusion
Orange Chicken is a delicious homemade version of the popular takeout classic, featuring crispy chicken coated in a flavorful citrus glaze. Easy to prepare and packed with sweet and savory flavor, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or satisfying takeout cravings at home.
PrintOrange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce with savory garlic and ginger. This homemade takeout-style favorite is perfect for busy weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for air frying
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
- Coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flour mixture.
- Dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs for extra crispiness.
- Fry, bake, or air fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Simmer the sauce for several minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest citrus flavor.
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy and flavorful in this recipe.
- For spicy orange chicken, add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
- Air frying the chicken creates a lighter version with less oil.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
