Hey y’all! Craving a takeout classic without leaving your kitchen? This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe delivers crispy, juicy bites smothered in a zesty orange sauce that’s perfectly sweet and just a little sticky—truly irresistible! It’s a versatile meal, perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you need a comforting pick-me-up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Quicker than ordering delivery—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Perfect balance of crispy chicken and tangy, fragrant orange sauce.
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- Kid-friendly flavors that the whole family will love.
- Easy to customize for meal prep or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions & toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season them with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station using three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with cornstarch.
- Dip chicken pieces in flour, then egg, then cornstarch to coat evenly.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes per batch, until golden and crisp.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add ginger and garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Add fried chicken pieces to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces by returning them to the oil for 1-2 minutes after the first fry (serious technique tip).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying—work in batches for even cooking.
- Adjust the sauce’s sweetness or tartness by adding more or less sugar or vinegar.
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Variations
- Grilled Orange Chicken: Skip the frying and grill marinated chicken breast, then toss in the sauce for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Orange Cauliflower: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets, prepared and sauced the same way.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra crushed red pepper or a diced fresh chili to the sauce.
Required Equipment for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, lightly warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best texture, keep the chicken and sauce separate if storing in advance.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Serve with steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
- For a complete meal, add a side of egg drop soup or a simple Asian slaw.
Pro Tips for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- For an ultra-crispy texture, let chicken rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes after frying before saucing (crispy chicken guide).
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest, most flavorful sauce.
- Keep the oil temperature steady—if it’s too low, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe FAQ
- Can I make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Simply use all-purpose gluten-free flour and gluten-free soy sauce for a delicious gluten-free easy orange chicken.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
- Definitely! Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- What’s the best orange to use for this recipe?
- For maximum flavor, use sweet navel oranges or Valencia oranges for fresh juice and zest.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4
