Irresistibly Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken dances with vibrant orange sauce in this mouthwatering homemade orange chicken recipe that surpasses any takeout option.

Restaurant-quality flavors bloom right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Tangy citrus notes weave through tender meat, creating a symphony of taste.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between sweet and zesty elements.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special, and this dish delivers excitement to your plate.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum deliciousness, making cooking feel like a culinary adventure.

You will want to savor every single morsel of this incredible meal.

Grab your skillet and let the cooking magic begin!

Why Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe Pops With Flavor

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This orange chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous cooking adventures.
• Master Crispy Perfection: The double-coating technique with cornstarch and flour ensures each chicken piece gets an irresistibly crunchy exterior while staying tender and juicy inside, delivering professional-level texture without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The flexible sauce recipe allows home cooks to adjust spiciness with red chili flakes or tweak sweetness by modifying sugar levels, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Minimal cooking skills required – even beginner chefs can nail this recipe with straightforward steps, basic kitchen tools, and simple ingredients typically found in most pantries.

What’s In Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat as the star of the dish, boneless and skinless work best for even cooking.
• Eggs: Helps breading stick to chicken, creates a crispy outer layer.

• Cornstarch, All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy coating for the chicken, cornstarch helps achieve extra crispiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep frying, neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the chicken.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provides bright, fresh citrus flavor and aromatic notes, fresh oranges recommended for best taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce, low-sodium version can be used.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory flavors, can substitute with honey or brown sugar.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and brightness to the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that adds complexity and depth to the sauce.
• Red Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a hint of heat.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, creates a glossy and clingy texture for coating the chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh flavor to the final dish.

How To Cook Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Crispy Coating

• Cornstarch
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs

Whisk eggs in one bowl and mix cornstarch and flour in another. Dunk each chicken piece into beaten eggs, then generously coat with the flour mixture. Gently shake off any extra coating.

Step 2: Create Golden Crispy Goodness

• Vegetable oil

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Let them dance in the oil until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Orange Sauce Magic

• Fresh orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Orange zest
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red chili flakes

Whisk everything together and let it simmer gently. Create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring until it becomes glossy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Elevate

Toss those crispy chicken pieces into the vibrant orange sauce. Coat every inch until the chicken glistens with flavor. Slide onto a bed of fluffy rice or alongside colorful stir-fried vegetables.

Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop of excitement. Your homemade orange chicken is ready to steal the show at dinner!

Tips For Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Crisp Coating Technique: Shake off excess breading to achieve a light, even layer that prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and ensures a perfectly crispy exterior.
• Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature at 350F, which guarantees evenly cooked, golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken pieces.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the breaded chicken and sauce separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the crispy texture and fresh flavor.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, or use plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian twist on this classic dish.

Storage Tips For Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the crispy chicken and sauce separate to maintain the texture.
• When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the chicken soggy.
• Freeze plain fried chicken pieces for up to one month in a sealed freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Do not freeze the sauce, as it may separate and lose its smooth consistency.
• Always reheat chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• For best quality, consume within 2-3 days of initial cooking.

Side Dishes For Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this tangy orange chicken with a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These slightly sweet white wines balance the dish's spicy and citrusy flavors, creating a delightful harmony on your palate.
• Rice and Crunch Sidekick: Serve with jasmine rice and a side of crispy cucumber salad. The cool, refreshing cucumber cuts through the richness of the chicken, while the rice soaks up the vibrant orange sauce perfectly.
• Asian-Inspired Beverage Match: Complement the meal with cold Asian beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo. The light, crisp beer cleanses your palate between bites and matches the dish's bold Asian-inspired flavors.
• Fresh Herb Topper: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or Thai basil on top. These herbs add a bright, aromatic layer that enhances the orange chicken's complex taste profile and provides a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

Fun Swaps In Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Citrus Fusion: Replace orange juice with a mix of lime and grapefruit juice, adding extra red chili flakes for a zesty, hot kick that transforms the classic recipe into a bold, tangy experience.
• Honey Glazed Version: Swap sugar with honey and include a splash of orange blossom water, creating a smoother, more floral sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the crispy chicken.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top, bringing a creamy, tropical dimension that complements the citrusy orange flavors.
• Herb-Infused Option: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil and cilantro into the sauce, and garnish with additional herbs, adding a fresh, aromatic layer that brightens the entire dish.

Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs

• What makes this orange chicken recipe different from takeout versions?

This homemade recipe gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for fresher flavors and less preservatives. You’ll enjoy a healthier version with real orange zest and fresh ingredients, creating a more authentic taste compared to restaurant versions.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional red chili flakes, so you can easily adjust the heat level. If you prefer mild flavors, simply skip the chili flakes. For those who love a bit of kick, add more flakes to suit your spice preference.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often provide more moisture and flavor. They’re typically more forgiving during frying and can create an even more tender orange chicken dish.

• Do I need a deep fryer to make this recipe?

No, you can use a deep skillet or wok with 1-2 inches of oil. The key is maintaining the right oil temperature around 350F for crispy, perfectly cooked chicken pieces. A simple thermometer can help you monitor the heat accurately.

Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when Homemade Orange Chicken arrives on your plate, bringing zesty California-style flavors to life. Crispy golden pieces glazed with tangy orange sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)

Coating and Frying:

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Embark on the chicken preparation by creating a dual-stage dredging setup with cornstarch-flour blend and whisked eggs, ensuring each poultry morsel gets thoroughly coated with a light, even layer.
2. Heat oil in a deep cooking vessel until it reaches optimal temperature, carefully immersing chicken pieces to achieve a crisp, golden exterior while maintaining tender inner texture.
3. Meanwhile, craft the vibrant orange sauce by blending citrus elements with aromatic seasonings in a simmering saucepan, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Incorporate cornstarch slurry into the sauce, whisking continuously to develop a luxurious, glossy consistency that will elegantly cling to the fried chicken.
5. Transfer crispy chicken pieces into the bubbling sauce, gently rotating to ensure complete and uniform coverage, transforming each morsel into a glistening, flavor-packed delight.
6. Plate the sauced chicken atop fluffy steamed rice, creating a visually appealing presentation that promises an explosion of tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
7. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an additional layer of texture and visual appeal, elevating the dish’s overall gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Adjust chicken thickness to ensure even cooking by gently pounding pieces to uniform thickness before breading.
• Use a thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked chicken during frying.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with rice flour or almond flour for coating.
• Transform the dish into a healthier option by baking chicken instead of deep-frying, using a light cooking spray and preheated oven at 425F.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg