If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that perfect balance of tangy sweetness and irresistible crunch in your own kitchen, this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant orange sauce that’s both zesty and comforting, paired with perfectly fried chicken that’s golden and crunchy, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe promises a delightful combination of texture and taste that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish stand out.
- Orange juice: Provides the fresh, citrus base that brightens the sauce with natural sweetness and tang.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the orange juice to create that signature orange chicken glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Soy sauce: Brings an umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the sauce.
- Minced garlic and ginger: Offer aromatic warmth and zest that lift the entire dish.
- Red chili flakes: Inject a gentle heat that keeps your taste buds intrigued without overpowering.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour: Form the crispy coating essential for that satisfying crunch.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick beautifully to each chicken piece.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender canvas that transforms into crispy bites.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to a perfect golden crispiness.
- Green onions (optional): Add a fresh, crunchy garnish to finish.
- Cooked rice: The ideal bed that soaks up every luscious drop of sauce.
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce
Start by blending the fresh orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and ginger in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes to meld all those bright, fragrant flavors together. This forms the lively and tangy base that makes this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Next, create a slurry by whisking 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water until smooth. Add this mixture slowly to the simmering sauce and stir continuously. The sauce will thicken in about 5 minutes, turning into that glossy, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
In a separate shallow dish, combine the remaining cornstarch with all-purpose flour. This mixture forms the base for a wonderfully crispy coating that contrasts delightfully with the tender chicken inside.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the whisked eggs, making sure they’re fully coated. Then dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture for that perfect breading layer, which will crisp up like magic when fried.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (177°C). Fry the coated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each until it’s beautifully golden and crispy. Once cooked, place the chicken on paper towels to drain the excess oil, keeping that crunch intact.
Step 6: Combine with the Sauce
Return the fried chicken to the skillet over low heat and pour the thickened orange sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly, then heat through for about 8 minutes. This step ensures the sauce soaks into the crispy coating without losing any crunch, creating that perfect texture combination that defines this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the chicken hot over fluffy cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions to add a fresh, mild crunch that completes the experience.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate by sprinkling sliced green onions or even toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes provide a lovely pop of color and a subtle flavor contrast that complements the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this flavorful chicken with simple steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a well-rounded meal, add some sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or snap peas for fresh crunch and vibrant green notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken as a filling inside lettuce wraps, topped with thin carrot ribbons or cucumber slices. This makes for a fresh, hand-held treat that’s both light and satisfying—a brilliant way to enjoy your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate if possible will maintain the chicken’s crispiness longer.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and adding fresh sauce.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve crispiness, warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. Add the orange sauce at the very end or warm it separately and drizzle over to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra richness to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and maintain the same frying time for the perfect crisp.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce. The cornstarch is already gluten-free, so this swap keeps your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be quite as crispy as frying, it’s a healthier alternative that still works well with the sauce.
How spicy is the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe?
The recipe has a gentle kick from the red chili flakes, making it pleasantly warm but not overpowering. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The orange sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before tossing it with the freshly fried chicken for maximum flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again—because it brings unbeatable comfort and bright flavors together in one irresistibly crunchy package. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with orange chicken all over again!
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Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and vibrant Orange Chicken recipe featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this dish offers a flavorful homemade alternative to takeout favorites.
Ingredients
Orange Sauce
- 1 ½ cups orange juice
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
Breading and Chicken
- 9 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Make Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and minced ginger. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture, whisking continuously. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the remaining 6 tablespoons of cornstarch with the all-purpose flour to create the dry breading mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the whisked egg to coat them evenly, then dredge them thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture to ensure a crispy coating.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (177°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, usually about 4-5 minutes each batch. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Combine with Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the same skillet and set heat to low. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken and toss well to coat every piece evenly. Heat through for 8 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the orange chicken hot over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Chicken pieces should be cut uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
