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orange chickern

Orange Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Zesty, Better Than Takeout

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This Orange Chicken Recipe is your crispy, zesty solution to weeknight cravings. Juicy, golden-fried chicken tossed in a sweet-and-tangy orange glaze — it’s bold, better-than-takeout flavor in just 30 minutes! Easy, budget-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight and impress your family with this homemade Asian favorite!

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)

  • 2 tsp orange zest

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional for heat)

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Orange slices or zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

    • Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture. Set aside.

  2. Fry Until Crispy:

    • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side).

    • Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

  3. Make the Sauce:

    • In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

    • Bring to a simmer.

    • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.

  4. Toss & Coat:

    • Transfer the crispy chicken to a clean pan or bowl.

    • Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss to evenly coat.

  5. Garnish & Serve:

    • Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra zest if desired.

    • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.


📝 Pro Tips & Notes

  • Best Chicken Cuts: Thighs yield juicier bites, but breasts work great too.

  • Double the Sauce: If you love extra saucy dishes, double the orange sauce ingredients.

  • Make it Spicier: Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

  • Crispy Finish: For ultra-crisp texture, flash-fry the coated chicken twice.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.

  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main
  • Method: Pan-Fried, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-American, Chinese-Inspired