If you are craving a delightful dish that bursts with citrusy sweetness and a crispy texture, this Orange Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Combining tender chicken pieces coated in a perfectly crisp batter with a luscious homemade orange sauce, this dish strikes the ideal balance of tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s sure to brighten up any dinner table and impress everyone at the meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Orange Chicken Recipe plays an important role, whether it’s bringing vibrant color, bold flavor, or that perfect texture you love. The lineup is simple enough to find at any store, but thoughtful enough to create a rich and satisfying dish.
- Orange juice: fresh and natural, it’s the heart of the signature orange sauce that gives the dish its bright citrus aroma.
- Sugar: balances the tanginess of the orange juice and adds a necessary sweetness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: adds a touch of acidity that elevates the flavor profile and prevents the sauce from being overly sweet.
- Soy sauce: imparts umami depth and a hint of saltiness to complement the sweet sauce.
- Minced garlic: infuses the sauce with a pungent aromatic base.
- Red chili flakes: add a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness.
- Minced ginger: provides a refreshing, slightly spicy bite characteristic of great Asian-inspired dishes.
- Cornstarch: used both for thickening the sauce and for the chicken’s crispy coating.
- All-purpose flour: combined with cornstarch to create the perfect crispy crust on the chicken.
- Eggs: help the coating adhere nicely for that crispy finish when fried.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: lean and tender, these pieces are ideal for soaking up the flavor without excess fat.
- Vegetable oil: perfect for frying to golden crispiness without overwhelming flavor.
- Green onions (optional): add a fresh, mild sharpness and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Cooked rice: the perfect bed for soaking up every last bit of that luscious orange sauce.
How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce Base
Start by mixing orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, red chili flakes, and ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a medium-high heat and let it cook for 3 minutes. This step begins to meld those vibrant flavors together, creating the sweet and tangy foundation for your signature Orange Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Create a slurry by whisking together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with water, then stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully, about 5 minutes. Once thick and glossy, remove the pan from heat and set it aside. This sauce will coat the chicken perfectly later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mix
In a shallow dish, combine the remaining cornstarch with the flour. This mixture is essential for that unbeatable crispiness that makes Orange Chicken Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the whisked eggs to moisten the surface, then dredge them thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mix. This double-layer method ensures the chicken fries up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (177°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil, preserving that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Coat Chicken with Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and return the fried chicken to the skillet. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat every piece. Keep heating for about 8 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken absorbs some of the sauce’s essence.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Serve your freshly made Orange Chicken Recipe hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, garnished as you like with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a wonderful fresh note and vibrant green contrast to the deep orange of the sauce. You could also try toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or a few fresh cilantro leaves to brighten the dish further.
Side Dishes
Steamed white or jasmine rice is the classic side that lets the orange chicken shine. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or shredded cabbage slaw make excellent vegetable companions, offering both balance and crunch to complement the sweet-savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the orange chicken inside lettuce wraps, letting diners build their own flavorful bites. Alternatively, serve over fried rice for a fuller one-bowl meal or alongside crispy egg rolls for a restaurant-quality feast at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining both flavor and texture. For best results, keep the rice stored separately from the chicken and sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together, but it’s better to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to preserve the crispiness of the chicken when reheated. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. If the chicken has lost some crispiness, a quick shot under a broiler or in a hot skillet can help revive it without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicier, which can make your Orange Chicken Recipe even more flavorful and tender. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure to use cornstarch that is labeled gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty alternative.
How spicy is this Orange Chicken Recipe?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder dish. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors remains just as delightful without much spice.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack until golden and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different but still very tasty and a bit lighter.
What’s the best way to get the sauce thick enough?
The key is to make a smooth cornstarch slurry and add it gradually while stirring continuously. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens and becomes glossy. If it’s too thin, you can mix a little more slurry and add it carefully without over-thickening.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to resist the charm of this Orange Chicken Recipe once you’ve tried it—crispy chicken pieces drenched in a luscious, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce bring so much joy to the table. Whether cooking for family, friends, or just a comforting night in, this recipe has a wonderful way of turning simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite homemade dishes.
