What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Craving takeout but want something fresh and homemade? This orange chicken recipe is your perfect solution. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make, even on busy weeknights. The crispy chicken coated in tangy, sweet orange sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s healthier than the restaurant version, so you can enjoy it guilt-free. Let’s get cooking—you’re just a few steps away from a meal that feels like a treat!
Recipe
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This homemade version delivers the same delicious flavors as takeout but with fresher ingredients and less grease.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, coat chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece into beaten eggs, then coat again with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy (3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Saucepan
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Serving: 4
Nutrition
Homemade Orange Chicken provides a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 18g | 52g | 22g | 28g | 620mg |
What To Serve With It
Wondering what to pair with your homemade orange chicken? I love serving it with fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice—they soak up the sauce perfectly. For a fresh crunch, try steamed broccoli or snap peas, or keep it simple with a crisp side salad.
Rice Varieties
When I’m serving orange chicken, I always think about pairing it with the right rice to balance the flavors. Jasmine rice is my go-to—it’s fragrant and slightly sticky, perfect for soaking up that tangy orange sauce. If I want something lighter, I’ll opt for basmati, with its fluffy texture and nutty taste. For a heartier meal, brown rice adds a chewy bite and extra nutrition. Sometimes, I even mix in a bit of coconut rice for a sweet twist. No matter which I choose, the rice makes the dish feel complete, turning a simple meal into something special.
Vegetable Pairings
Once you’ve picked the perfect rice to go with your orange chicken, it’s time to think about the veggies. I love pairing mine with steamed broccoli—it’s crisp, fresh, and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas add a pop of color and crunch, while bok choy or snow peas keep things light and vibrant. If I’m craving something heartier, I’ll toss in carrots or zucchini. Don’t forget green onions for a little kick! These veggies not only balance the dish but also make it feel complete, so you’ll want seconds.
