This crispy orange chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The golden-brown, crunchy chicken bites are coated in a luscious orange glaze infused with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger, creating a dish that’s bursting with umami goodness.
The vibrant sauce clings to every crispy piece, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies for a comforting and restaurant-worthy meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this orange chicken is a guaranteed hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Extra orange zest
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Toss the crispy fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4
Introduction
Crispy Orange Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its crunchy texture and rich, citrusy sauce. The dish consists of bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange glaze. This homemade version rivals any takeout, offering fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a satisfying crunch.
The History of Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken originated as an adaptation of General Tso’s Chicken, a dish created in Chinese-American restaurants. While General Tso’s Chicken has a deep, savory sauce, Orange Chicken introduces the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange juice and zest.
The dish became widely popular thanks to Panda Express, a fast-food chain that introduced its own version in the 1980s. The Americanized version is sweeter and crispier than traditional Chinese recipes. Despite its deep-fried preparation, this dish has a comforting and indulgent appeal, making it a favorite worldwide.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are countless Orange Chicken recipes, but this one stands out for several reasons:
1. Perfectly Crispy Coating
Many homemade versions end up soggy, but this recipe ensures an ultra-crispy texture by combining cornstarch and flour in the breading. The dual-layer batter creates a crunchy shell that holds up even after being tossed in the sauce.
2. Balanced Sweet and Tangy Sauce
Some recipes are too sweet, while others lack depth. This recipe strikes the perfect balance by incorporating fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar to create a well-rounded sauce with both sweetness and acidity.
3. Easy and Quick to Make
Despite its gourmet flavors, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
4. Customizable for Different Diets
- Want it healthier? Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Prefer a spicy kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Need a gluten-free version? Swap flour for gluten-free flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Health Benefits of This Dish
While Orange Chicken is often considered indulgent, it does have some health benefits when made at home with fresh, whole ingredients:
1. High in Protein
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health. Using chicken thighs makes the dish juicier, but you can also opt for chicken breast for a lower-fat option.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, improves skin health, and helps with iron absorption. The orange zest and juice in this recipe provide a refreshing and beneficial citrus element.
3. Healthier Than Takeout
Restaurant versions of Orange Chicken often contain excess sugar, MSG, and unhealthy oils. Making it at home allows full control over ingredients, ensuring a cleaner, healthier meal with less sodium and preservatives.
4. Supports Digestion
The inclusion of ginger and garlic aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish both delicious and good for gut health.
Cooking Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
Want to perfect this dish? Here are some pro tips:
1. Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness
For restaurant-quality crunch, fry the chicken twice: once at a lower temperature (325°F/163°C) to cook through, and then again at a higher temperature (375°F/190°C) to create the crispy exterior.
2. Use Fresh Orange Juice
Bottled orange juice often contains additives and lacks the brightness of fresh juice. Squeeze fresh oranges for natural sweetness and acidity.
3. Toast the Sesame Seeds
If you’re garnishing with sesame seeds, toast them in a dry pan for 30 seconds to bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
4. Toss in Sauce Right Before Serving
To maintain crispiness, coat the chicken with sauce just before serving. Letting it sit too long will soften the coating.
Serving Suggestions
Orange Chicken pairs well with various side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
1. Classic Steamed Rice
A bowl of fluffy white or jasmine rice soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly.
2. Fried Rice
Upgrade your meal by serving with homemade fried rice loaded with vegetables and eggs.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables
Balance the richness with a mix of broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers stir-fried in a light garlic sauce.
4. Cauliflower Rice (Low-Carb Option)
For a healthier alternative, try cauliflower rice—it absorbs the sauce while keeping the meal light.
5. Noodles
Serve over lo mein or ramen noodles tossed in sesame oil for a more indulgent take.
Recipe Variations
This recipe can be tweaked in various ways to fit different tastes:
1. Spicy Orange Chicken
Add sriracha, more red pepper flakes, or Thai chili to give it a fiery twist.
2. Baked Orange Chicken
Skip frying and bake the coated chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes for a lighter version.
3. Air-Fried Orange Chicken
For an even healthier option, cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
4. Honey Garlic Orange Chicken
Replace half the honey with minced garlic and soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer, then toss in freshly warmed sauce.
Q2: Can I freeze Orange Chicken?
For best results, freeze the cooked chicken without sauce. When reheating, crisp it up in the oven and toss with freshly made sauce.
Q3: What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, which have high smoke points for deep frying. Avoid olive oil as it burns at high temperatures.
Q4: Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh is always best! But if using bottled, go for 100% pure orange juice without added sugar.
Q5: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Orange Chicken is a dish that delivers big flavors, satisfying crunch, and a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy notes. Making it at home allows for customization, healthier ingredients, and unbeatable freshness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting meal, this Orange Chicken recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Give it a try today and enjoy the best homemade Orange Chicken ever!