There's something absolutely irresistible about a perfectly crispy Orange Chicken Recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken with that iconic sweet and tangy glaze that makes your taste buds sing. This beloved takeout favorite has been a family dinner hero for years, but making it at home means you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the flavors to your family's preferences.
My kids literally cheer when I announce we're having this for dinner, and my husband says it tastes even better than our favorite restaurant version. With just a few simple techniques, this homemade orange chicken recipe delivers that perfect balance of crispy coating and sticky-sweet sauce that makes every bite absolutely addictive.
Why You'll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
This Orange Chicken Recipe easy version hits all the right notes with its incredibly crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken that's coated in the most flavorful sweet and tangy sauce. My family says this tastes better than any panda express orange chicken recipe they've ever tried, and the best part is knowing exactly what goes into our food.
Unlike restaurant versions that can be overly sweet or greasy, this easy homemade orange chicken gives you complete control over the sugar and oil content. The sauce has layers of flavor with fresh orange juice, a hint of garlic, and just the right amount of heat. Plus, this recipe works perfectly as one of those reliable stirfry chicken recipes easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for company.
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What You'll Need
These ingredients create the perfect combination of crispy texture and bold flavors that make this dish absolutely irresistible. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry and fridge, making this recipe perfect for those nights when you're craving takeout but want to cook at home.
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Optional Extras
You can garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or orange slices for extra visual appeal. Some families love adding steamed broccoli or snap peas to make it a complete meal.
This how to make orange chicken at home recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe
Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Heat the Oil
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep skillet to 350°F. Use a thermometer to maintain proper temperature for perfectly crispy results.
Fry to Golden Perfection
Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm while making the sauce.
Q: How do I keep my orange chicken crispy when adding the sauce? A: Toss the fried chicken with the sauce just before serving, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping to maintain maximum crispiness.
Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until fragrant.
Thicken and Finish
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Toss with the crispy chicken and serve immediately.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the best orange chicken recipe is maintaining the oil temperature and not overcrowding the pan when frying.
My grandmother taught me that properly heated oil creates that perfect crispy seal that keeps the chicken juicy inside.
Also, don't skip the cornstarch in both the coating and the sauce - it's what gives you that restaurant-quality crispy texture and glossy sauce that clings perfectly to every piece.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
For this orange chicken from scratch version, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, though thighs stay more tender. To make it lighter, you can bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes instead of frying. For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Honey can replace some of the sugar for a more complex sweetness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover orange chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain some crispiness. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore some of the crispy texture, or quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat. The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.
What to Serve With Orange Chicken Recipe
This pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. My family loves it with steamed broccoli and carrots for a complete meal that rivals any restaurant. For authentic Chinese restaurant vibes, serve with egg rolls or pot stickers as appetizers. A simple cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet flavors.
FAQs About Orange Chicken Recipe
Can I make this without deep frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?
Use a thermometer for 350°F, or test with a small piece of bread - it should sizzle immediately.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch - just avoid anything with added sugar.
Why is my sauce not thickening?
Make sure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and the sauce is simmering when you add it.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're exploring more Asian-inspired Dinner dishes, you'll absolutely love my sweet and sour chicken that uses similar techniques with different flavors. For those interested in orange chicken recipes easy variations, try my honey garlic chicken that brings similar sticky-sweet satisfaction. When you want something different, my teriyaki chicken offers that same comfort food appeal with Japanese flair.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your creativity could inspire someone else!
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Pairing
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