Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 0.5 cup low sodium soy sauce; 0.5 cup sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange); 1 tbsp sliced green onions

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If you are craving a burst of zesty, sweet, and savory flavors wrapped around crispy, tender chicken, then you are absolutely going to love this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful dish that brings the bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice and zest together with the perfect balance of soy and ginger, making it a fantastic homemade alternative to takeout. The crunchy coating on each juicy bite of chicken paired with that glossy, tangy sauce makes this recipe an instant favorite in any kitchen. Get ready for a cooking adventure that is as simple as it is satisfying!

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe shines because of its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that work magic together. Each component plays a key role in crafting the perfect texture and captivating flavors that make this dish so memorable.

Chicken breast: Using 2 pounds cut into 1-inch pieces ensures tender bites that cook quickly and evenly.
All-purpose flour: At 1.5 cups, it provides a crispy coating that’s golden and irresistible.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon to season the flour, enhancing every bite without overpowering.
Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds subtle warmth and balance to the flour coating.
Vegetable oil: Two cups for frying create that perfect crisp texture and golden color on the chicken.
Orange juice: One cup of freshly squeezed juice imparts fresh, bright citrus notes that are the heart of the sauce.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Half a cup adds a savory depth and that unmistakable umami kick.
Sugar: Half a cup balances the citrus with delightful sweetness, creating harmony in the sauce.
Cornstarch: One tablespoon mixed with water acts as the magic thickener for the glossy sauce.
Ginger (grated): One teaspoon brings a fresh and slightly spicy zing.
Garlic (minced): One clove adds aromatic warmth and earthiness.
Orange zest: One tablespoon from a fresh orange boosts the citrus flavor in every bite.
Green onions: One tablespoon sliced, for that fresh, crisp garnish that gives a lovely pop of color.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper to season the coating perfectly. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture until it’s evenly and completely covered. This coating is essential because it creates that wonderful crisp crust we all adore, locking in the juicy chicken inside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches, giving each side about 3 to 4 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – this is what makes your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe shine.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is frying, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, low sodium soy sauce, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest in a saucepan. Bring this heavenly mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, infusing all those delicious flavors into a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and bright citrus notes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Now, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring gently as it thickens over 2 to 3 minutes until it transforms into a glossy, luscious sauce that will cling beautifully to your chicken.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once your chicken is fried and your sauce is ready, toss the chicken pieces directly into the saucepan. Coat every piece thoroughly in that vibrant sauce, making sure no crispy edge is left uncovered. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t just a pretty face here—they add texture and balance. Freshly sliced green onions bring a mild crunch and a touch of sharpness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to amp up the nuttiness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up every drop of that amazing sauce. For a fresh touch, serve with a side of stir-fried veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli to add vibrant color and crunch to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for guests or a special occasion, try plating the chicken over a bed of fragrant coconut rice topped with edible flowers or thinly sliced chili for a pop of color and a hint of heat. Serving it family-style in a large bowl encourages sharing, perfect for bringing everyone together around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Orange Chicken Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce together so every bite stays moist and flavorful, just reheat gently for best results.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken covered in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave when possible to retain the crisp chicken texture, but if needed, use short bursts and stir often.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and a deeper flavor, making them a wonderful alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thighs can cook a bit quicker and may require slight adjustment.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken, or can I bake it?

While frying gives the crispiest, most authentic texture, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is a lighter option but still very tasty.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup or adjust to taste. You can balance sweetness by adding a splash more soy sauce or a little rice vinegar for tang.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch are great substitutes that thicken sauces just as well. Use the same amount as cornstarch for the slurry.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and choose tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep all ingredients gluten-free while maintaining taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s surprisingly approachable for home cooks, yet rich with flavors you and your loved ones will savor and remember. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this recipe your own—after all, nothing beats the joy of homemade comfort food that’s bursting with sunshine and warmth. Happy cooking!

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Orange Chicken recipe featuring crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken coating: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour mixture thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated.
Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Make the orange sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, low sodium soy sauce, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Thicken the sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch and water mixture into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Toss chicken in sauce: Place the fried chicken pieces in the saucepan or a large bowl, pour the thickened orange sauce over them, and toss until each piece is fully coated with the sauce.
Serve: Transfer the coated orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double dredge the chicken by dipping it back into egg wash before coating a second time.
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor impact in the sauce.
Adjust sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy chicken.
This recipe can be made gluten free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying and Simmering
Cuisine: Chinese-American