Description

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is a game-changer! Crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce—just like your favorite takeout but even better. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside steamed veggies for a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized pieces
Cornstarch – for coating the chicken, making it extra crispy
Egg – helps bind the cornstarch to the chicken
Salt & pepper – to season the chicken
Oil – for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Orange Sauce

Orange juice – fresh is best for a natural citrusy flavor
Soy sauce – adds depth and umami
Brown sugar – for sweetness and caramelization
Rice vinegar – balances the flavors with acidity
Garlic – minced, for a savory kick
Ginger – fresh, grated for warmth and spice
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) – thickens the sauce
Red pepper flakes (optional) – for a slight heat

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into beaten egg, then coat evenly with cornstarch. Set aside.
Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy.
Coat the Chicken
Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, double-fry the pieces by letting them rest for a minute after the first fry and then frying again for another minute.
Want a healthier version? Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
Adjust sweetness and tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to taste.
Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 400
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: orange chicken, crispy orange chicken, easy orange chicken, homemade orange chicken, Chinese takeout chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, orange sauce chicken