Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout? This easy orange chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that your whole family will love. With crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, this homemade version is fresher, healthier, and more economical than ordering in.
Why You'll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
There's something magical about the combination of crispy chicken and bright, citrusy sauce that makes orange chicken a takeout favorite. This easy version brings all that magic into your kitchen, but with fresher ingredients and no MSG. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, while the chicken stays crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
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Orange Chicken Recipe Ingredients
the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 large oranges)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange zest
How To Make Orange Chicken Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs.
- In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
- Set coated pieces aside on a plate.
Make the Orange Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Add orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering sauce.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Keep warm while cooking the chicken.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches, fry the coated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Combine and Serve
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm orange sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional orange zest.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Hints and Tips
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat for juicier results
- Don't skip the cornstarch in the coating – it's essential for achieving that signature crispiness
- Fresh orange juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to store-bought
- Double-coating the chicken pieces creates an extra-crispy exterior
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy/deep-fry thermometer
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave works too, but the chicken won't be as crispy.
Orange Chicken Recipe Variations
- Make it Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Healthier Version: Air fry the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets
Top Tip
Let the coated chicken pieces rest on a plate for 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, resulting in crispier pieces that won't lose their coating in the sauce.
FAQ
What are the ingredients of orange chicken?
This Orange chicken recipe typically includes bite-sized chicken pieces coated in cornstarch or flour, then fried until crispy. The sauce is made with orange juice or zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. It’s a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dish popular in Chinese-American cuisine.
What are the three ingredients in orange chicken sauce?
At its simplest, orange chicken sauce can be made with three core ingredients: orange juice (or zest), soy sauce, and sugar. Many recipes add garlic, vinegar, or chili flakes for extra depth, but those three components give the sauce its signature sweet, salty, and citrusy flavor.
What does Panda Express use for their orange chicken?
Panda Express uses battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy sauce made with orange juice concentrate, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and chili. Their version is thicker, sweeter, and slightly spicier than traditional recipes, creating the bold flavor many fans recognize and love.
What is the difference between Chinese orange chicken and American orange chicken?
Chinese orange chicken is rarely found in traditional Chinese cuisine. The American version is a Chinese-American invention—deep-fried chicken in a sweet, sticky orange sauce. Authentic Chinese dishes tend to be less sweet, lighter, and use fresh citrus in more subtle, savory ways rather than syrupy sauces.
Skip the takeout and make this delicious Orange Chicken Recipe at home! With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cravings.
Tried it? We’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment and share your tips or any creative twists. And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next Chinese-inspired dinner night!
Craving more flavor-packed meals? Try our savory Chicken and Shrimp Recipe for a protein-packed combo, or enjoy the Mediterranean flair of our creamy Chicken Artichoke Recipe—both are easy, delicious, and sure to impress!
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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Candy/deep-fry thermometer
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Whisk eggs in a bowl. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat in cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a large pot.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden.
- For sauce: Combine orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, zest, garlic, and ginger in a pan.
- Bring to simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and add to sauce.
- Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss fried chicken in sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and orange zest.
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