If you’re craving a delicious, homemade takeout-style dish, this Easy Orange Chicken recipe is for you! Packed with crispy fried chicken and coated in a luscious, sweet orange sauce, this dish is a favorite for both kids and adults. Forget takeout – this chicken in orange sauce is simple to make at home and tastes even better!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook orange chicken step by step, along with helpful tips to make it extra crispy and flavorful. Whether you serve it with rice or try orange chicken noodles, this dish will be a hit in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Flavorful – The chicken is perfectly crispy while the chicken orange sauce is tangy, sweet, and full of citrusy goodness.
- Better Than Takeout – This homemade version is fresher, healthier, and even tastier than your favorite restaurant’s sweet orange chicken.
- Quick & Easy – A perfect weeknight dinner that can be ready in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile – Serve it over rice, orange chicken noodles, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (or store-bought)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Extra orange zest
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken – Dice the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Season & Coat – In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip & Coat – Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it well in the flour mixture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil – In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden – Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil – Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce Base – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer & Thicken – Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water beforehand) to thicken the sauce.
- Finish the Sauce – Stir in sesame oil and orange zest for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Toss & Coat – Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan and toss until each piece is coated in the chicken orange sauce.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest for added flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve learned how to cook orange chicken, here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Rice Bowl – Serve your chicken with orange sauce over steamed white or brown rice.
- Orange Chicken Noodles – Toss with cooked lo mein or ramen noodles for a fun twist!
- Lettuce Wraps – Use large lettuce leaves to create a low-carb, crunchy wrap.
- Side of Vegetables – Pair with stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Use Fresh Orange Juice – It gives the sauce a bright, natural citrus flavor.
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness – If you love extra crunchy chicken, fry it a second time for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust the Sweetness & Spice – Add more honey for sweetness or increase the red pepper flakes for heat.
- Make It Healthier – Skip frying and air-fry or bake the chicken instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce separately. Store the crispy chicken and reheat it in the oven before tossing it in the sauce.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Air-frying also works great for a crispy texture.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier.
Why This is The Best Orange Chicken Recipe
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is better than takeout, full of flavor, and can be made in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick and delicious easy chicken dinner. Whether you serve it with rice, chicken orange noodles, or in a wrap, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Make it tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken in orange sauce from the comfort of your home!
Watch & Learn
Looking for a step-by-step guide? Check out easy chicken dinner videos online to see this dish in action and follow along effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
This chicken with orange sauce recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving Chinese takeout at home, this sweet orange chicken is sure to be a hit.
Give it a try and let us know – What’s your favorite way to enjoy orange chicken? 🍊🍗
Happy Cooking! 😊
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