If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and irresistibly crisp, then the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen arsenal. This vibrant dish brings together tender bite-sized pieces of chicken cloaked in a perfectly crunchy crust, all smothered in a glossy, citrusy orange sauce that packs a flavorful punch. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality orange chicken made right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from ensuring the chicken achieves that coveted crunch to crafting the saucy glaze bursting with bright, savory flavor.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 lbs): Tender and juicy, ideal for absorbing the sauce while staying moist inside.
- Large eggs (2): Helps the flour and cornstarch mixture stick to the chicken for maximum crispiness.
- Cornstarch (1 cup): Adds that light, airy crunch to the coating, making every bite delightful.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Combines with cornstarch to provide sturdiness to the crispy shell.
- Orange juice (1 cup): The star ingredient for that zesty, fresh citrus tang that defines this dish.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings savory depth and umami to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the sauce and helps create that glossy finish that clings beautifully.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright acidity to cut through the richness and elevate the flavors.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Offers a warm, nutty aroma that complements the other ingredients exquisitely.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Injects a savory punch that’s essential in any good Asian-inspired sauce.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a fresh, slightly spicy zing for complexity.
- Red chili flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat to brighten the dish.
- Green onions (2 tablespoons, chopped): Perfect for a fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and mild bite.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Toasted and sprinkled on top, they add a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): The medium for frying that ensures a golden, crispy exterior without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and provide the perfect mouthful. This size lets the crispy coating envelop each piece thoroughly, creating that satisfyingly crunchy bite we all love.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Whisk the eggs in one bowl to create a smooth dipping bath for the chicken. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This mixture ensures the coating becomes crispy yet light, giving you that iconic texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg wash, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch blend. Make sure each chunk is well coated to form a sturdy crust that will crisp beautifully when fried.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches—this prevents overcrowding and maintains the oil temperature—until the pieces are stunningly golden and irresistibly crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
Step 5: Craft the Orange Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red chili flakes if you like a hint of spice. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a glossy, luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tang.
Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Add your freshly fried chicken pieces into the simmering sauce, turning them gently to ensure every piece is generously coated. This melding step infuses the crispy chicken with that vibrant orange flavor we crave.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Let the chicken and sauce cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to harmonize without sacrificing the crispiness of the chicken’s coating.
Step 8: Garnish to Impress
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a burst of color and subtle crunch that make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe fresh and hot over steaming rice or tender noodles, soaking up every bit of that glorious sauce.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions add a mild sharpness and vibrant color that cuts through the richness, while toasted sesame seeds provide an earthy crunch. These simple touches elevate the dish visually and texturally, finishing it with finesse.
Side Dishes
Crispy Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or silky lo mein noodles, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a refreshing contrast, serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas that add crunch and a pop of green.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of crispy fried rice or within lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist. You could also turn it into a casual bowl with pickled veggies and a drizzle of spicy mayo to delight your taste buds with varied textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken relaxed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, store the sauce separately if possible, or be prepared to reheat carefully for best results.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge and re-crisp the chicken in an oven or air fryer rather than microwaving to keep that signature crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to help retain crispiness, or pop them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving alone as it can make the coating soggy, diminishing the treat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and provide a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat juicy inside.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option for a lighter version. Coat the chicken as usual, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425°F until golden, flipping once for even crispiness.
Can I adjust the sweetness or heat?
Definitely. Feel free to add more brown sugar for sweetness or increase red chili flakes for that extra kick. Adjusting the soy sauce also tweaks the saltiness balance.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If fresh orange juice isn’t available, bottled juice works fine, or try a mix of pineapple juice and a splash of lemon juice for a different citrus profile.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure soy sauce is tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is such a rewarding dish to make and enjoy, bursting with flavor and texture that will brighten any meal. It’s approachable, satisfying, and downright addictive—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So go ahead, embrace the vibrant colors and zesty taste, and bring this delicious favorite to your table. Your cravings will thank you!
Print
Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Crispy Orange Chicken recipe features tender chunks of chicken fried to golden perfection and coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade orange sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic and ginger, it’s garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. A deliciously satisfying dish ideal for a weeknight dinner, served best over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and set aside for coating.
- Mix egg and coating: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mix until well coated, ensuring an even crust.
- Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the orange sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and red chili flakes if using. Simmer this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add the crispy fried chicken pieces to the simmering orange sauce. Toss carefully to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook the chicken and sauce together on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove the pan from heat.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the coated chicken for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the crispy orange chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping twice in egg and flour mixture.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce; bottled juice will work but may alter the taste slightly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.
