Orange Chicken

The tangy, zesty kick of orange chicken is like a burst of sunshine in every bite. The vibrant citrus flavor dances across your taste buds, complementing the crispy, golden-brown coating with just the right amount of sweetness. There’s something so comforting about how the crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy chicken inside, and the sauce clings to every nook and cranny, coating each piece with its citrusy goodness. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience, a moment of joy that can take you right to the heart of a bustling Chinese restaurant or even a cozy kitchen where you’re able to make it yourself.

I’ve always loved making orange chicken at home, and trust me, it’s not as complicated as it seems! In fact, once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize how customizable this dish can be. You can tweak the sweetness or the tanginess to your liking. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra zest for a more pronounced citrus note, or throw in a splash of soy sauce to deepen the umami flavors. And, of course, pairing it with a steaming bowl of white rice or stir-fried veggies turns it into a full-on celebration of flavors. Every time I serve it, I get asked for the recipe—though I’ll admit, I usually just smile and say, “It’s a secret, but I’ll share it with you someday!”

Key Ingredients in Orange Chicken

Creating the perfect orange chicken comes down to a balanced blend of flavors and textures. Each ingredient has its role to play, working together to create that irresistible combination of crispy chicken and tangy, sweet sauce. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and provide the perfect canvas for absorbing the vibrant orange sauce. They’re easy to work with and give you that satisfying bite when fried.
• All-purpose flour: This is essential for coating the chicken before frying. It helps create a light, crispy crust that pairs beautifully with the juicy interior of the chicken.
• Salt: A must for seasoning, salt enhances the flavors in every component, balancing the sweetness of the sauce and the richness of the chicken.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat that elevates the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Large eggs: The eggs act as a binding agent, helping the flour and cornstarch adhere to the chicken, ensuring that golden, crispy exterior we all crave.
• Cornstarch: This plays a double role! It’s used to coat the chicken for that crispiness we love, and it also thickens the sauce to give it that luxurious, glossy finish.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): High in smoke point, vegetable oil ensures your chicken fries up perfectly crispy without burning.
• Orange juice: The heart and soul of the orange chicken sauce! Freshly squeezed orange juice provides that vibrant citrus tang that’s key to this dish.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the orange juice.
• Sugar: Helps to balance the tangy orange juice with sweetness, creating that perfect sweet-and-sour dynamic.
• Rice vinegar: This gives the sauce a subtle tanginess, enhancing the freshness of the orange juice and bringing the flavors together.
• Garlic (minced): Garlic brings a savory, aromatic quality to the sauce that complements the sweetness of the orange and the richness of the chicken.
• Ginger (grated): Fresh ginger adds warmth and a touch of spiciness to the sauce, giving it a little extra kick that marries beautifully with the other flavors.
• Sesame oil: Adds a hint of nutty, toasted flavor to the sauce, elevating the overall complexity and bringing it closer to authentic Chinese cuisine.
• Cornstarch (for sauce thickening): This little ingredient helps to thicken the sauce, turning it into a luscious glaze that clings perfectly to the crispy chicken.
• Water: Used to thin out the sauce, water helps balance the consistency, ensuring it’s not too thick or too runny.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, offering a subtle kick to contrast with the sweet and tangy sauce.
• Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Fresh and vibrant, green onions add a crunchy, slightly sharp finish that brightens up the dish and gives it that extra pop of color.

These ingredients come together to make a dish that’s bold, balanced, and utterly irresistible. You’ll be amazed at how each one contributes to the final result!

How to Make Orange Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken

Classic with White Rice
Nothing beats the simplicity of pairing orange chicken with a fluffy bowl of steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the tangy sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors with every bite. It’s a classic combo that’s hard to beat, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table.

Stir-Fried Veggies on the Side
For a lighter, vibrant option, serve your orange chicken alongside a colorful stir-fry of veggies—think bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. The crunch of the vegetables and the slight char from stir-frying complement the richness of the orange chicken beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens!

In Lettuce Cups
For a fun twist, serve your orange chicken in crisp lettuce cups. The cool, crunchy lettuce contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, saucy chicken, offering a refreshing bite that’s just as delicious as it is satisfying. It’s like a mini flavor explosion with every little wrap!

How to Store Orange Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers (and trust me, you might because this dish is so addictive!), storing your orange chicken properly will ensure it stays just as tasty for the next day. After all, there’s nothing like enjoying that crispy, tangy goodness a second time around!

To keep your orange chicken fresh, start by allowing it to cool completely. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside your storage container, which can make the chicken soggy. Once it’s cool, place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, I recommend popping it in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture. You can also use a skillet over medium heat, just be sure to toss it around gently so it doesn’t lose its crunch.

If you’re planning to store it for a longer period, you can freeze your orange chicken! Just make sure to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven to crisp it back up. The sauce can be stored separately in a small container, and you can heat it up on the stove when you’re ready to serve.

One thing I like to do is store the sauce and chicken separately if I know I won’t be finishing it all in one go. This helps the crispy chicken stay as crispy as possible, and when you’re ready to eat, just toss the chicken in the sauce and give it a quick reheat. You’ll be back in orange chicken heaven in no time!

Conclusion

There you have it—your very own homemade orange chicken, bursting with bright citrus flavors and crispy, juicy goodness! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or prepping for a family feast, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes makes every bite feel like a little moment of joy, and with the simple steps and tips I’ve shared, you’ll be able to recreate that takeout experience right in your own kitchen.

Now, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you give this recipe a try? How did your orange chicken turn out? Or maybe you’ve got your own twists and tricks to share? Feel free to drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback in the comments below—I’m always excited to hear from fellow home cooks! And if you ever need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. This recipe is meant to be fun and flexible, so make it your own and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Orange Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce that strikes the perfect balance between citrusy brightness and savory richness. Every bite bursts with flavor, making this dish an irresistible, crave-worthy treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil (for frying)

• ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
4. Place the cornstarch in another shallow bowl.
5. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat it with cornstarch.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
7. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying them until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
8. Remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
10. Pour the sauce mixture into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
11. In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.
12. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
13. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
14. If you want a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes to the sauce.
15. Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
16. Remove the skillet from heat once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened.
17. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
18. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Note

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.
• For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken with the flour and cornstarch.
• You can substitute honey for sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• For a more intense orange flavor, add orange zest to the sauce.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.

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