Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Asian Delight

Orange chicken is a delicious fusion of crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. This dish, made famous by American-Chinese restaurants, delivers the perfect balance of crunch and citrusy goodness. Whether you’re craving takeout flavors at home or looking to impress guests with a homemade meal, this crispy orange chicken recipe will satisfy your taste buds.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to expert cooking tips, ensuring you get restaurant-quality orange chicken right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe

✔️ Crispy & Flavorful – Golden-brown chicken bites with a deliciously sticky orange glaze.
✔️ Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, no additives, and made just the way you like it.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
✔️ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or texture to your preference.

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants, most notably popularized by Panda Express. It features bite-sized chicken pieces, deep-fried to crispy perfection and coated in a savory-sweet orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey or sugar.

Though it has Chinese culinary roots, orange chicken is an American adaptation, similar to General Tso’s chicken. The dish is beloved for its sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, making it a go-to comfort food for many.

Ingredients for Homemade Orange Chicken

To make the best orange chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• one teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for those who enjoy a bit of heat).
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, water, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In another bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Shake off any excess coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Fry the coated chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the fried chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water mixture) to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the orange sauce until fully coated.
2. Let the chicken soak in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, ensuring every piece is well glazed.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve your crispy orange chicken over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or orange slices for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

• Use Fresh Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed juice gives a more vibrant citrus flavor.
• Double Fry for Extra Crunch – Fry the chicken twice for a super crispy texture.
• Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey/sugar.
• Make It Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or extra sriracha for a spicy kick.
• For a Healthier Version – Skip frying and bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken pairs perfectly with:

🍚 Steamed Rice – Classic and simple.
🥢 Fried Rice – Adds extra flavor with veggies and soy sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas make a great side.
🍜 Lo Mein or Chow Mein – For a noodle-based meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers: Keep any remaining orange chicken in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warm, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to swap chicken breasts for thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, making them an excellent alternative for this dish. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps.

2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with additional cornstarch.

3. Can I air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying?

Yes! Coat the chicken lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

You can substitute with bottled orange juice, but fresh is always best for flavor.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This crispy orange chicken recipe is the ultimate homemade version of a takeout favorite. With its golden, crunchy coating and zesty, sweet sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it exactly how you like!

🔥 Try this recipe today and let us know in the comments how it turned out!
📌 Love this recipe?

For more delicious inspired recipes, check out our Chicken Recipes or Easy Homemade Chicken.