Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, homemade version of your favorite takeout meal, look no further than this mouthwatering Orange Chicken Recipe. 

Crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce are sure to satisfy any comfort food craving. 

What’s even better? You can prepare this dish easily in your own kitchen without relying on store-bought sauces or heavy frying. 

This Orange Chicken Recipe captures all the bold flavors and vibrant colors you love while allowing you to control the ingredients for a fresher, healthier version. 

Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find that making restaurant-quality orange chicken at home is surprisingly simple—and incredibly rewarding. 

Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the ultimate homemade Orange Chicken Recipe experience!

When I First Orange Chicken Recipe

When I first made this Orange Chicken Recipe at home, I was amazed at how easy it was to recreate that authentic flavor. 

It brought back memories of family nights ordering from our favorite Chinese restaurant. The homemade version tasted even better—fresher, lighter, and full of bright orange flavor. 

That first bite was unforgettable, and now, making this Orange Chicken Recipe has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane or zester
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet (optional for oven-crisping)

(Ingredients) List

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for deeper flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Orange Chicken Recipe – Step by Step (Preparation)

Step 1:

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Step 2:

Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3:

Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate pan, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 4:

Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.

Step 5:

Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the orange sauce.

Step 6:

Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips For Success

1. Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice elevates the flavor much more than store-bought varieties.
2. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken twice if you want it even crunchier.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve perfect crispness.
4. Control the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
5. Preheat Oil Properly: Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at the right temperature before frying.

Variations

• Baked Orange Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, then toss in the sauce.
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

This homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is proof that you don’t need takeout to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. 

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll love making this dish for your family again and again. 

The sweet and tangy sauce paired with crispy chicken creates an irresistible flavor combination.

Give this Orange Chicken Recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to dinner favorite!

FAQs

What can I serve with Orange Chicken Recipe?

Orange Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. For a healthier meal, you can serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.

How do I store leftovers of Orange Chicken Recipe?

Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat it in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Can I use frozen chicken for Orange Chicken Recipe?

You can use frozen chicken for an Orange Chicken Recipe, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. 

This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up properly when fried or baked.

Is Orange Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

A traditional Orange Chicken Recipe usually isn’t gluten-free because it contains flour and soy sauce. 

However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.