Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
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½ cup cornstarch
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
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½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
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2 tsp orange zest
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¼ cup soy sauce
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional for heat)
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Garnish:
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Sliced green onions
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Orange slices or zest (optional)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken:
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In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture. Set aside.
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Fry Until Crispy:
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Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side).
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Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
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Make the Sauce:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
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Toss & Coat:
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Transfer the crispy chicken to a clean pan or bowl.
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Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss to evenly coat.
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Garnish & Serve:
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Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra zest if desired.
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Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
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📝 Pro Tips & Notes
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Best Chicken Cuts: Thighs yield juicier bites, but breasts work great too.
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Double the Sauce: If you love extra saucy dishes, double the orange sauce ingredients.
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Make it Spicier: Add Sriracha or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
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Crispy Finish: For ultra-crisp texture, flash-fry the coated chicken twice.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main
- Method: Pan-Fried, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American, Chinese-Inspired