Orange Chicken

The sweet and tangy aroma of the orange glaze, simmering in the pan, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As the sauce thickens and the citrusy scent fills the air, you know something magical is happening. The crispy, golden pieces of chicken are perfectly coated in that glossy orange goodness, each bite offering a satisfying crunch followed by that familiar, zesty burst of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to your favorite takeout spot—except this time, you’re enjoying it straight from the comfort of your own kitchen.

What makes this Orange Chicken so special is the balance of flavors. The sauce has just the right amount of sweetness, but it’s not overwhelming, and the tanginess from the orange juice cuts through that richness, keeping each bite fresh and bright. If you’re like me, you might sneak a little extra sauce on the side, just to dip those crispy chicken pieces in for that extra flavor kick.

Over the years, I’ve found that the key to making this dish truly sing is to get the chicken just right. That golden, crispy exterior? It’s all about frying the chicken to the perfect texture before tossing it in that luscious orange sauce. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! A quick dredge in flour and a hot pan, and you’re good to go. The best part? You can adjust the sweetness and tang to your taste, making it as bold or subtle as you like.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a special occasion, Orange Chicken never disappoints. It’s one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table smile, and it’s always a hit when I’m hosting friends or family. I love hearing their reactions as they take that first bite—it’s like they’re tasting a little bit of joy on their plates.

Key Ingredients in Orange Chicken

This dish may seem like a flavor-packed adventure, but the ingredients come together in the most deliciously simple way. Each element plays its part to create that crispy, tangy-sweet goodness we all love. Let’s break it down:

• Chicken breast: The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect bite of tender meat, with a golden, crispy crust that holds all the sauce so wonderfully.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient that gives the chicken that extra crunch when frying. It helps create a light, crispy coating that seals in all the juiciness of the chicken.
• Flour: Along with the cornstarch, flour helps form the coating on the chicken, ensuring it crisps up beautifully and holds that golden color when fried.
• Salt: A key player in enhancing all the other flavors and bringing balance to the dish. It brings out the natural flavors in the chicken and the sauce.
• Black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the chicken’s coating, giving a slight heat that works in harmony with the other ingredients.
• Garlic powder: A subtle, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the orange sauce. It adds depth to the crispy chicken coating and the overall dish.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps the flour and cornstarch adhere to the chicken. It ensures each piece is coated perfectly before frying.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken, vegetable oil has a neutral flavor that lets the crispy exterior shine without overpowering the dish.
• Orange juice: The liquid gold of this dish. Freshly squeezed orange juice brings the sweet, tangy flavor that defines the orange glaze. It’s the base of the sauce and provides that bright citrus kick.
• Soy sauce: This adds a touch of saltiness and umami to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice and sugar for that perfect savory-sweet combination.
• Sugar: Sweetness is key in this glaze. The sugar helps balance out the tang of the orange juice and the saltiness from the soy sauce, making it all come together into a delightful sauce.
• Rice vinegar: A dash of acidity that helps to cut through the sweetness and adds a layer of complexity to the sauce. It brightens the overall flavor.
• Grated orange zest: The zest brings in an extra punch of citrusy aroma and flavor, deepening the orange flavor of the glaze and adding freshness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides that savory, aromatic bite that enhances the overall dish. It adds a depth of flavor that works in perfect harmony with the orange sauce.
• Grated ginger: A zingy, slightly spicy note that adds warmth and complexity to the sauce, complementing the citrusy and savory flavors in the dish.
• Red pepper flakes: A little heat goes a long way. Red pepper flakes give the dish a subtle kick that balances out the sweetness, making every bite a little more exciting.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: This mixture is used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, smooth texture that coats the chicken so beautifully.

How to Make Orange Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken

• With a Bed of Steamy White Rice: Let’s be honest—there’s nothing like pairing that crispy, saucy goodness with a fluffy bowl of white rice. The rice soaks up all the extra orange glaze, creating the perfect balance. Whether it’s jasmine or basmati, it’s a comforting side that complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
• On a Crispy Bed of Stir-Fried Veggies: If you’re looking to add a little color and crunch to the meal, stir-fry some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots. The tender-crisp veggies provide a fresh contrast to the sweet and savory chicken, making the meal feel light yet satisfying.
• With a Side of Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, serve your Orange Chicken with a side of sweet and sour dipping sauce. It’s like giving your guests a mini adventure in every bite—a little extra kick that’s fun and totally crave-worthy!

Each of these options brings something special to the table, making your Orange Chicken meal even more memorable. What’s your go-to side when making this dish?

How to Store Orange Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (though honestly, it might be hard to resist eating it all in one sitting), storing Orange Chicken is pretty simple, and there are a few ways to keep it fresh while preserving that crispy coating and zesty flavor.

First off, if you plan to eat it within the next day or two, the fridge is your best friend. Just place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a quick reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or orange juice will help bring the sauce back to life. This method keeps the chicken tender without losing too much of that crispy crunch, but it’s best to avoid using the microwave—unless you want to end up with soggy chicken!

For longer storage, you can freeze Orange Chicken. To freeze it, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating it. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little extra sauce if needed to keep it from drying out. It may lose a bit of its crunch, but the flavor will still be just as vibrant.

If you find yourself with a bit of extra sauce but no leftover chicken, don’t fret! The sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. You can always make a quick batch of crispy chicken when the craving strikes and toss it in that leftover sauce for a fast and fabulous meal.

Conclusion

And there you have it—my take on Orange Chicken, a dish that’s packed with flavor and just so much fun to make! From the crispy, golden chicken to that glossy, tangy sauce that clings to every piece, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. Whether you’re cooking it up for a weeknight treat or serving it to impress friends and family, this dish never fails to hit the mark.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and make it your own. And hey, if you give it a try, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think—whether it’s about the recipe, any tips you discovered along the way, or even how it turned out on your dinner table. Questions, feedback, or just want to chat about your experience? I’m always here and love hearing from fellow home cooks.

Now, go ahead and make some Orange Chicken magic in your kitchen! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Orange Chicken

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce that bursts with citrusy zest and a hint of spice. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and flavor, creating an irresistible bite you’ll crave with every mouthful.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 s water

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth and set them aside.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
5. While the oil heats up, dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly.
6. After dipping the chicken in the egg mixture, dredge it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.
7. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
8. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
9. In the same pan, add the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, grated orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
10. Stir the sauce ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
11. Once the sauce begins to simmer, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
12. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
13. Continue to cook the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens to a glossy, sauce-like consistency.
14. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce to ensure it is fully coated.
15. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
16. Once the chicken is well coated in the thickened sauce, remove the pan from the heat.
17. Serve the orange chicken immediately, garnished with additional grated orange zest or chopped green onions if desired.

Note

• Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the egg and cornstarch-flour mixture for a crispy texture.
• For extra flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and organic orange zest.
• To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to taste.
• For a healthier version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces instead of frying them.
• Let the sauce thicken properly before adding the chicken back in to avoid a watery consistency.

Keywords: orange chicken recipe, easy orange chicken, homemade orange chicken, crispy orange chicken, orange chicken sauce recipe