What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade orange chicken recipe is perfect for anyone craving a crispy, sweet, and tangy dish that’s better than takeout. It’s quick and easy to make, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The combination of crispy chicken and zesty orange sauce is a flavor explosion that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, you can customize the spice level**** to make it just right for you!
Recipe
Orange chicken is a delicious and popular dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes just like your favorite takeout!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Chinese-American
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Nutritional information for homemade orange chicken provides a breakdown of its macronutrient and caloric content.
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 340 kcal | 24 g | 22 g | 16 g | 12 g | 480 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade orange chicken with steamed white rice—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. Stir-fried veggies, like broccoli or snap peas, add a nice crunch and balance the sweetness. You can’t go wrong with this combo, and it’s ready in no time!
Steamed White Rice
When serving a dish as flavorful as homemade orange chicken, you’ll want something simple yet satisfying to balance it out, and that’s where steamed white rice comes in. It’s the perfect side—mild, fluffy, and just the right texture to soak up all that tangy sauce. I love how easy it is to make, too. Just rinse the rice, add water, and let it steam until tender. It’s like a blank canvas that lets the chicken shine. Plus, it’s filling without overpowering the meal. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never go back.
Stir-Fried Vegetables
While steamed white rice pairs beautifully with orange chicken, adding some stir-fried vegetables can take the meal to the next level. I love tossing crisp bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots into a hot wok with a splash of sesame oil—it’s quick, colorful, and packed with crunch. A little garlic and ginger add warmth, while a drizzle of soy sauce ties everything together. The veggies balance the sweetness of the chicken, making each bite more satisfying. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in extra nutrients. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never go back to plain rice alone!
