Experience the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory with this Crispy Orange Chicken recipe. Golden, crunchy chicken bites are coated in a zesty orange glaze, creating a restaurant-quality dish you can master at home. Fast to prepare yet impressive in flavor, this recipe transforms dinner into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients List

1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the orange sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 orange
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the flour mixture.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Toss the fried chicken in the warm orange sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Cook Time

30–35 minutes

Servings

4–6 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 2g

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to maintain crispiness.

Suggestions

For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken: fry once until light golden, rest for 5 minutes, then fry again until deep golden.
Substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness profiles.
Add a splash of orange liqueur to the sauce for a gourmet twist.

Seasonal Relevance

This Crispy Orange Chicken recipe is perfect year-round but particularly shines in winter when citrus is at its peak. Its bright, refreshing flavors make it a welcome dish for festive dinners or casual weeknight meals.

Conclusion

Crispy, tangy, and deeply flavorful, this Orange Chicken recipe delivers the restaurant experience in your own kitchen. Simple techniques and fresh ingredients elevate a classic favorite into a memorable dish that everyone will love.