This orange chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something flavorful. With simple ingredients and a homemade touch, this dish brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how amazing it tastes!
Why We Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
This orange chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It brings together everything we love about a delicious meal—crispy chicken, a flavorful orange glaze, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
- Crispy and Tender: The chicken gets perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. That contrast between crunch and tenderness is what makes this dish irresistible.
- Flavorful Orange Sauce: The sweet and tangy orange sauce ties everything together. Made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, it’s full of bright citrusy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce, depending on your preference. If you like a little extra heat, throw in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish makes for great leftovers, too. You can store the orange chicken in the fridge and reheat it for a tasty meal later in the week.
This recipe not only tastes amazing but also brings that comforting homemade touch right to your kitchen. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients for orange chicken recipe
- Chicken breasts – 4 boneless, skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Pepper – 1/4 tsp
For the Orange Sauce:
- Fresh orange juice – 1 cup
- Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
- Honey – 1/4 cup
- Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
- Ginger – 1 tbsp (fresh, grated)
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp (optional)
Instructions
Making this orange chicken recipe is easy, and the steps come together quickly to create a delicious meal. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken: Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Coat with cornstarch: Toss the chicken in cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This is what will give the chicken its crispy texture when fried.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
Combine the sauce ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Toss everything together: Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s fully coated and heated through. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately: Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve your crispy orange chicken over steamed rice or with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
And there you have it—a perfectly crispy, tangy, and flavorful orange chicken ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips and Variations
To help you make the most out of this orange chicken recipe, here are some pro tips and variations that will elevate your cooking experience and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
Pro Tips:
Get the perfect crispiness: Make sure the chicken pieces are well-coated in cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This will help each piece get golden and crispy.
Use fresh orange juice: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed orange juice. It adds a natural sweetness and vibrant citrus flavor that store-bought juice just can’t match.
Adjust the sauce thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. It’s great for pouring over rice or veggies!
Variations:
Add vegetables: To make this dish even more filling and colorful, add some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Sauté them with the chicken or toss them into the sauce for extra texture and nutrition.
Spicy orange chicken: For those who like a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.
Baked option: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy, and then toss it in the orange sauce. This way, you’ll avoid frying and still get a great, crispy texture.
Swap the protein: This recipe works just as well with chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a delicious twist. Each option will soak up the orange sauce wonderfully!
Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken Recipe
Now that your orange chicken is ready to shine, it’s time to think about the best way to serve it. Here are some delicious serving ideas that complement this dish perfectly:
Serve with Steamed Rice
The classic choice! A bowl of fluffy steamed rice is the perfect base to soak up the tangy, sweet orange sauce. You can use white, brown, or jasmine rice for a fragrant touch.
Pair with Veggies
Sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add color and crunch to your meal. They balance the richness of the orange chicken while adding a boost of nutrients.
Add a Side Salad
A light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the sweetness of the dish. Try a mix of greens, cucumbers, and carrots for added crunch.
FAQs
How can I make orange chicken spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, you can easily adjust the spice level in your orange chicken. Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate a bit of sriracha for an extra kick. For an even spicier option, toss in some fresh chopped chili peppers when frying the chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For the best results, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the chicken crisps up perfectly when fried.
What kind of rice goes best with orange chicken?
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice for orange chicken, but you can also use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The fluffy texture of the rice complements the sauce beautifully.