Make restaurant-quality Orange Chicken right in your kitchen. This recipe delivers that signature crispy coating and bold, tangy sauce you crave, proving homemade beats takeout every time.
Author:Ben Androshov
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Frying and Stovetop
Cuisine:American Chinese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Dip the chicken pieces first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the orange zest.
Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken: fry once until light golden, drain, then fry again at a higher temperature (375°F or 190°C) until dark golden brown.
Use fresh orange juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
Adjust the sugar or red pepper flakes to match your preferred sweetness and spice level.