Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Orange Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become a favorite comfort food across the world. Known for its crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce, this dish combines bold flavors with an irresistible texture. The fresh citrus notes from orange juice and zest give the sauce its signature brightness, while soy sauce and garlic add depth and balance.

It’s a dish that embodies the perfect mix of crunch and sauciness, making it satisfying with every bite. Orange Chicken is most often enjoyed with fluffy steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete and filling meal. While it’s a popular restaurant and takeout choice, making it at home means you can customize the sweetness, spice level, and freshness to your liking.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Orange Chicken because it’s the kind of dish that instantly makes me smile. It has the perfect balance of flavors—the sweet citrusy orange sauce, the savory soy notes, and that little kick of heat from chili flakes all wrapped around crispy chicken bites. Each piece is golden on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, which makes it completely addictive.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with fluffy steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles, and it never disappoints. It works for a casual weeknight dinner but is also special enough to serve to guests. The aroma of orange zest, garlic, and ginger simmering together fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Orange Chicken is a must-try dish because it delivers everything you want in a comforting, flavorful meal. The chicken is perfectly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a glossy orange sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and savory. Every bite feels like a restaurant-quality experience—but made right in your kitchen.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser. Kids love it because of the sweetness, adults enjoy the balance of flavors, and you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, craving takeout at home, or preparing a dish for friends, Orange Chicken never fails to impress.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 per serving (without rice)

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Course: Main Dish

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1–2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Extra orange zest

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Coat chicken pieces in flour and cornstarch, dip in beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch mixture again.
2. Deep-fry chicken until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil.
3. Prepare sauce by simmering orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
4. Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry.
5. Toss fried chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated.
6. Garnish and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Method

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
• In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix cornstarch and flour.
• Dip chicken in egg, then dredge in flour-cornstarch mix until fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

• Heat oil in a deep pan or wok (350°F/175°C).
• Fry chicken in small batches until golden and crispy (4–5 minutes per batch).
• Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

• In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
• Bring to a simmer, then stir in cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
• Add sesame oil for fragrance.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

• Add fried chicken to the sauce. Toss until every piece is coated.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra zest.

How to Serve

• Serve Orange Chicken over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• It also pairs beautifully with stir-fried noodles or steamed vegetables.
• Serve as an appetizer by skewering pieces with toothpicks for parties.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
• Adjust sugar and chili levels based on your preference.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add sriracha or more chili flakes.
• Healthy Version: Bake or air-fry chicken instead of deep-frying.
• Vegetarian Orange Tofu: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Swap sugar for honey for a deeper sweetness.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep crisp.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce separately and fried chicken without sauce. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Reheat chicken in oven/air fryer and then toss in freshly warmed sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or deep frying pan
• Saucepan
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Zester or microplane

Conclusion

Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that brings together crispy chicken and a bright, zesty, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that works for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to takeout!