Orange Chicken Recipe

If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and a little bit of crunch, I am beyond excited to share this incredible Orange Chicken Recipe with you. This version elevates the classic takeout favorite with a crisp golden batter and a luscious, fresh orange sauce that clings to every bite. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll never want to order it from anywhere else. It’s easy enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress guests, and the explosion of flavors will have you coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each one plays an essential role in bringing out the authentic taste and irresistible texture of this dish. These simple but thoughtful ingredients work together to create a harmony of flavors, from the juicy chicken to the bright orange sauce that ties everything together.

• Chicken thighs (350-450 g): Tender and juicy, these bite-sized pieces soak up the flavors so well. You can also use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Cornstarch (for batter, 1/2 cup): Creates that perfect light and crispy coating for the chicken.
• Flour (2 tbsp): Helps add a slight chewiness to the batter for a balanced crunch.
• Soy sauce (1 tbsp in batter, 2 tbsp in sauce): Adds the classic umami depth that makes the dish irresistible.
• Egg white (1): Binds the batter ingredients together while keeping it light.
• Sesame oil (1 tsp): A small drizzle enhances aroma and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
• Ground white pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers mild heat without overpowering, but black pepper is an easy swap.
• Water (1/3 cup in batter, 2 tbsp for cornstarch slurry): Adjusts batter consistency and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
• Fresh orange juice (3/4 cup): The star of the sauce bringing bright, natural citrus notes.
• Brown sugar (4-6 tbsp): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness—adjust the amount to match your own taste.
• Rice wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a gentle tanginess that balances the sweet sauce beautifully.
• Shaoxing wine (1 tbsp): Traditional cooking wine that uplifts the sauce with subtle complexity; sake or other cooking wines work too.
• Grated ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a warm, spicy undertone that pairs wonderfully with the orange.
• Grated garlic (1 clove): For that essential savory kick to round out the flavors.
• Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water): This magical mix thickens the orange sauce to a glossy finish.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Perfect for garnishing, they add crunch and a toasty aroma.
• Green onions, thinly chopped: Fresh and vibrant, these brighten every bite.

How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Coat the Chicken

Start by whisking together all the batter ingredients until you get a smooth, paint-like consistency. If it feels too thick, just add a tablespoon of water at a time—this is key to getting that light, delicate crust. Once the batter looks just right, gently mix in your bite-sized chicken pieces until each one is beautifully coated with that silky batter.

Step 2: Deep Fry the Chicken

Heat your oil to around 330-340 degrees Fahrenheit—this temperature creates a lovely golden color while ensuring the chicken cooks through perfectly. Fry the battered chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool and rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken crisp rather than soggy.

Step 3: (Optional) Double Fry for Extra Crunch

For those who really love crunch, turn the heat up to high and fry the chicken again at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 to 60 seconds. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but that second fry is a game-changer for texture, making your Orange Chicken Recipe incredibly crispy on the outside while juicy within.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

Combine fresh orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, shaoxing wine, grated ginger, and garlic in a pan or wok. Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat to dissolve the sugars and meld the flavors. Then, stir in your cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens to a luscious, syrupy consistency.

Step 5: Toss and Coat the Chicken

Finally, add the fried chicken pieces into the pan with the glossy orange sauce. Toss everything quickly and thoroughly so every morsel gets fully coated in that incredible sauce. You want each bite bursting with flavor and a satisfying crisp texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top off your creation with freshly chopped green onions and a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These simple garnishes add beautiful color, added texture, and an inviting aroma that will make it impossible to wait before digging in!

How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

After all the hard work, the right garnishes take this Orange Chicken Recipe from delicious to next-level delicious. Thinly sliced green onions add freshness and a touch of bite, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and crunch. Both are perfect final touches that complement the rich sauce and crispy chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the glorious orange sauce. For a complete meal, try adding a simple stir-fried vegetable medley such as snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli to balance the richness. A crisp Asian-style slaw is also fantastic for adding freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like jazzing up your presentation? Serve your Orange Chicken Recipe in a large bowl with rice on the side, or arrange the chicken pieces artfully on a platter garnished generously with green onions and sesame seeds. Adding edible flowers or thin slices of fresh orange can heighten the visual appeal and enhance the citrus theme for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover Orange Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, store the chicken and sauce separately if you can, so the chicken stays crisp longer.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Properly frozen, the components can last up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to restore its crispness. Warm the sauce separately on the stovetop and then toss the chicken in the sauce to recoat. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the chicken’s crust too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine; just be careful not to overcook them since they tend to dry out quicker than thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same batter and frying steps for delicious results.

Is it okay to use store-bought orange juice?

Yes, store-bought orange juice works well, especially if it’s fresh or with minimal added sugar. Just avoid varieties with too much sugar or artificial flavors to keep the sauce tasting bright and natural.

Can I skip the double frying step?

You can, but I highly recommend it if you want that ultra-crispy exterior. The double fry locks in crunch and makes your Orange Chicken Recipe more satisfying. If you’re short on time, a single fry is still tasty though!

What should I do if my sauce isn’t thickening?

If the sauce remains runny, add a little more cornstarch slurry a teaspoon at a time while simmering until it reaches the perfect glossy thickness. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your rice vinegar and other condiments are also gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Orange Chicken Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Chicken Recipe is truly a joyful dish to make and even more joyful to eat. The crispy chicken paired with that vibrant, sticky orange sauce is comfort food at its best, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner that everyone will ask for again and again!

Print