Irresistible Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe That Sparkles

Bursting with tangy flavors, this crispy homemade orange chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.

Crunchy golden-brown pieces dance in a vibrant citrus sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of zesty orange and savory chicken.

The secret lies in the delicate coating and a sauce that clings perfectly to every morsel.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

The combination of crisp texture and bright citrus notes creates a meal that rivals any takeout experience.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy protein base, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for crispy texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates ultra-crispy exterior, ensures light and crunchy coating.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to breading, helps achieve golden-brown crust.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breading stick perfectly to chicken pieces.

• Orange Juice: Provides bright, tangy core flavor, fresh-squeezed preferred for vibrant taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami, low-sodium version works great for balanced saltiness.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces subtle acidity, balances sweet and savory elements.
• Sugar: Creates glossy, sweet undertone, brown sugar can add deeper caramel notes.

• Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus punch, use fresh zest for most potent flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust base note, fresh minced provides strongest taste.
• Ginger: Brings warming spiciness, fresh grated offers most authentic kick.
• Red Chili Flakes: Optional heat component, adjust quantity for personal spice preference.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens sauce smoothly, prevents clumping when mixed properly.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional garnish for visual appeal and extra texture.

Tools To Cook Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for frying chicken and tossing in sauce with high, even heat.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottom Pot: Perfect for achieving crispy, golden chicken at consistent temperature.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for simmering and thickening the vibrant orange sauce.
• Mixing Bowls (2-3): Crucial for creating breading station and preparing ingredients.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken, maintaining crispiness.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken and zesting orange.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees precise ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.

Steps To Make Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe Sweet And Tangy

• Prep Chicken Pieces

Slice chicken into bite-sized chunks. Create a crispy coating by dipping each piece in egg wash, then dusting with seasoned flour mixture.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet until shimmering. Carefully drop chicken pieces and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and let excess oil drain.

• Craft Zesty Orange Glaze

In a saucepan, blend fresh orange juice with tangy seasonings. Simmer and whisk until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each chicken morsel.

• Combine and Finish

Pour warm orange glaze over crispy chicken pieces. Gently toss until every chunk is generously coated with the vibrant, sweet-and-tangy sauce.

• Plate and Enjoy

Transfer glazed chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair. Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice or fresh stir-fried vegetables.

Tasty Additions For Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Crispy Coating Perfection: Double-dredge chicken pieces for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after adding sauce.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Use fresh orange zest instead of bottled juice to enhance the bright, authentic citrus flavor of the dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace cornstarch with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains a crispy texture.
• Baked Alternative: For a healthier option, spray breaded chicken pieces with cooking spray and bake at 425F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red chili flakes to suit your heat preference – start with a pinch for mild warmth or add more for a spicier kick that complements the sweet orange sauce.

Ways To Serve Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

• Zesty Rice Bed: Serve the orange chicken atop fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant jasmine rice, letting the sauce seep deliciously into each grain for maximum flavor absorption.
• Veggie Power Plate: Create a balanced meal by surrounding the crispy chicken with quick stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add color and nutrition.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, or thin orange zest strips on top to enhance visual appeal and add fresh, bright flavor dimensions to the dish.
• Spice Lovers' Twist: Add a small side of chili oil or sriracha sauce for those who want an extra kick of heat to complement the sweet and tangy orange chicken.

Store Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe For Later

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Magic: Revive crispy chicken by using an air fryer or oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. Microwave heating can make the breading soggy, so avoid this method for best texture.
• Freezing Strategy: Separate sauce and chicken before freezing to prevent sogginess. Place in freezer-safe containers and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Wonder: Prepare chicken and sauce separately during weekend cooking. Keep components chilled and assemble quickly on busy weeknights for a fast, delicious dinner solution.

Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic orange chicken blends Chinese-American flavors with crispy chicken pieces glazed in tangy orange sauce. Succulent protein coated in zesty citrus creates a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken thighs or breasts (bite-sized pieces)
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• ½ cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Create a dual-stage dredging station with cornstarch-flour mixture and whisked eggs, meticulously coating each chicken piece for a light, uniform layer.
2. Frying Process: Heat oil in a deep vessel to the ideal temperature, carefully submerging chicken pieces to achieve a crispy golden exterior while preserving internal tenderness.
3. Sauce Development: Combine citrus elements and aromatic seasonings in a simmering saucepan, allowing flavors to meld and intensify into a vibrant orange base.
4. Sauce Refinement: Integrate cornstarch slurry into the sauce, whisking continuously to develop a glossy, luxurious consistency that will elegantly adhere to the fried chicken.
5. Final Fusion: Gently transfer crispy chicken into the bubbling sauce, rotating to ensure complete coverage, transforming each piece into a glistening, flavor-packed delicacy.
6. Plating and Garnish: Arrange sauced chicken over fluffy steamed rice, garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to enhance texture and visual appeal, creating a harmonious culinary presentation that promises an explosion of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Notes

• Maintain Crispy Coating: Pat chicken dry before dredging to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispier and more even golden exterior that won’t become soggy quickly.
• Temperature Control: Use a cooking thermometer to keep oil at 350-375°F, preventing undercooked chicken and guaranteeing a perfect crisp without burning the coating.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Add cornstarch slurry gradually while whisking to avoid lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats each chicken piece without being too thick or thin.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour for celiac-friendly version, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free adaptation that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg