Name: Orange Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Oil for frying; 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled); 1 tbsp orange zest; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry); 2 tbsp water (for slurry); Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish); Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Orange Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The crispy fried chicken paired with a glossy orange sauce delivers a balance of sweetness, acidity, and a hint of heat. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or meal prep, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Oil for frying
Orange juice (fresh or bottled)
Orange zest
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cornstarch (for slurry)
Water
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together eggs. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour-cornstarch mix.
Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated.
Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Baked Orange Chicken: Bake chicken pieces at 400°F until crispy instead of frying.
Air Fryer Version: Cook breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
Low-Sugar Sauce: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch for coating and sauce thickening.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best texture, avoid freezing the fried chicken once it’s sauced, but the sauce and plain fried chicken can be stored separately and frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store separately and combine before serving.

How do I make the chicken crispy?

Double-coat the chicken and fry at the right temperature (350–375°F). Drain well on paper towels.

Is orange juice from concentrate okay?

Yes, but fresh orange juice offers a brighter and more natural flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to your taste or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

Steamed white rice, fried rice, or vegetables like broccoli or bok choy are great sides.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce as it simmers.

Can I use bottled orange sauce?

You can, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and allows you to control the flavor and ingredients.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. It has a mild warmth from red pepper flakes, but you can increase or omit them.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes. Bread the chicken as directed and cook in the air fryer at 375°F until golden and cooked through.

Conclusion

Orange Chicken is a delicious blend of crispy chicken and sweet-tangy orange sauce that hits all the right flavor notes. It’s a satisfying dish you can easily make at home, offering both comfort and a burst of citrusy brightness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving your favorite takeout-style meal, this recipe is sure to become a regular on your table.