Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Orange Chicken is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The crispy fried chicken pieces paired with the citrusy orange sauce create a mouthwatering combination that will have you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting dinner or serve it for a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. With every bite, you get a crispy crunch followed by a burst of flavorful sauce that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.
Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat, then pour in the sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: For a more wholesome dish, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the sauce. Simply sauté the veggies before adding the sauce, and cook until tender.
Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Use chicken thighs: If you prefer juicier, tender chicken, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Gluten-free option: Swap the flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Stir occasionally until heated through. For a crispy texture, you can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Orange Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of savory and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. The crispy chicken paired with the tangy orange sauce creates a taste explosion in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bring this delicious dish to your dinner table and impress your family and friends!