The Ultimate Orange Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that perfectly blends crispy fried chicken with a tangy, citrus-infused sauce. Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort food or looking to impress guests with a homemade version, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make the best Orange Chicken from scratch!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup water
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg with water.
3. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Add sesame oil and red pepper flakes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the orange sauce until well coated.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant flavor.
• Double fry the chicken for extra crispiness if desired.
• Adjust sweetness and spice levels by adding more honey or red pepper flakes.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture.

Conclusion

This homemade Orange Chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser, bringing together crispy, juicy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, easy, and far better than takeout! Try this recipe today and let us know how it turns out in the comments.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Browse our collection for more Asian-inspired dishes and culinary inspiration!