Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bright, tangy flavors and irresistible crunch, then you’re in for a treat. This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken coated in a perfectly crispy crust, all drenched in a luscious, homemade orange sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your go-to. It’s straightforward, delicious, and a joyful celebration of classic Chinese-American comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe are simple but essential, each adding a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces ensure every forkful is juicy and easy to enjoy.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The perfect duo for a light, crispy coating that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder: Basic seasonings that create a flavorful foundation for the chicken.
- Eggs, beaten: Help the coating stick to the chicken pieces for that amazing crunch.
- Vegetable oil: Necessary for frying to get the chicken golden and crispy.
- Fresh orange juice: The star flavor that lends brightness and natural sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and umami to the orange sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
- Granulated sugar and honey: Sweeten the sauce while giving it a glossy finish.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency for coating.
- Fresh ginger (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and complexity.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant punch.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick if you enjoy some heat in your meal.
- Orange zest (optional): For an extra citrusy sparkle that elevates the dish.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. This dry blend is the secret to that impeccable crispy crust everyone raves about. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, making sure every morsel is fully coated. This step sets the stage for perfectly crunchy chicken once fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches roughly 350°F, gently add the chicken in small batches—don’t overcrowd the pan or the pieces won’t crisp up nicely. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy. Remove the cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain the excess oil. Repeat this until all chicken pieces are fried to crunchy perfection.
Step 3: Simmer the Homemade Orange Sauce
While the chicken rests, prepare the glorious sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, and a bit of grated ginger if you’re using it. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors. Then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes glossy and smooth. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes for that lovely aroma and subtle heat, cooking for another minute.
Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Once your sauce is perfectly thickened, return the crispy fried chicken to the pan. Toss everything together so that each piece is coated with the vibrant, tangy orange sauce. Let the chicken soak up that sauce for a couple more minutes while warming through, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now for the best part—serving your masterpiece! Plate the orange chicken while it’s hot and fresh. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of orange zest on top if you want to take the citrus notes up a notch. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a side of crisp vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh orange zest, which adds a burst of bright color and a zesty aroma that complements the rich sauce. Sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds also work wonderfully to add texture and enhance the visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, which beautifully soaks up the tangy sauce. For a bit of green, try steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried bok choy. These sides add a refreshing crunch and balance the dish’s sweetness with their natural earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add a playful twist? Serve the Easy Orange Chicken Recipe atop crispy fried rice, or spoon it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. If you’re feeling fancy, try wrapping the saucy chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld dish that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Easy Orange Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crispy, you might want to store the sauce separately and combine them again when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but for best texture, freeze the sauce and chicken separately in labeled containers or freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain flavors and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently to keep the chicken coated and avoid drying out. You can also warm the chicken in the oven to help it regain some crispiness before mixing it with the sauce again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during frying, adding rich flavor to the dish.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the chicken as usual and bake on a greased sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy, but frying offers the classic crunch this recipe is loved for.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a splash of sriracha for an extra kick. The balance of sweet and spicy is delightful, so adjust to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The orange sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding it to freshly fried chicken for quick assembly.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges for the juice and zest?
You can use bottled fresh orange juice for convenience, but fresh is best for brightness. Orange zest boosts flavor significantly, so if you don’t have fresh oranges, consider adding a splash of orange extract for flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is truly a winner—combining crispy chicken with a vibrant homemade sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a meal that feels special but comes together with straightforward ingredients and simple steps. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and see just how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and happy eating!
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Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner, this dish combines a zesty citrus glaze with tender, juicy chicken, ideal for serving alongside steamed rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is completely coated for a crispy texture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying them for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, honey, and grated fresh ginger if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once it begins to bubble, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if desired, cooking for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet or saucepan with the thickened orange sauce. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so it can absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken immediately, garnished with fresh orange zest if desired. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs for a juicier texture or breasts for leaner meat.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect crispiness without greasy chicken.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the sauce.
- You can make the orange sauce ahead and reheat when ready to serve for convenience.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
