introduction

This easy orange chicken recipe makes a bright and warm meal. You fry crisp chicken and toss it in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. If you like quick fried chicken, try Crack Chicken Tenders for another simple dinner idea.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe when you want a fast, bright, and tasty meal. The sauce uses fresh orange juice for real orange taste. The dish pairs well with plain rice or steamed veg. If you like spicy or creamy chicken too, see Bang Bang Chicken Bake for a different idea.

how to make Easy Orange Chicken

You coat the chicken, fry it, then make the sauce. Toss the chicken in the hot sauce so each piece gets a thin glaze. Work in small steps and in small batches so the chicken stays crisp. For a milder change, you can also try a creamier chicken like Butter Chicken.

Ingredients :

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
2 tbsp water
Sesame seeds or sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions :

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Mix the flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch in a bowl. Coat the chicken in this mix.
Dip each piece in beaten eggs, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
Whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened.
Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice.

how to serve Easy Orange Chicken

Serve hot over plain white rice or steamed rice to soak the sauce. You can add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for green color and a mild crunch. For a Tex-Mex night, you might pair it with easy enchiladas like Chicken Enchiladas on another night.

how to store Easy Orange Chicken

Let the chicken cool to room temp. Put it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat so the sauce warms but the chicken does not get too soft. You can freeze it up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Easy Orange Chicken

Dry the chicken well before coating. This helps it crisp. See a simple baked chicken idea like Baked Ranch Chicken if you want a no-fry option.
Fry in small batches so oil stays hot.
Use fresh orange juice for the best bright flavor.
Taste the sauce and change sugar or vinegar to match your sweet or sour wish.

variation (if any)

Make it less sweet: cut brown sugar by half.
Make it spicy: add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Oven version: bake the chicken pieces at 425°F (220°C) until crisp, then toss with warm sauce.
Toss in roasted vegetables for a one-pan mix.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen orange juice?
A: Yes. Use thawed juice. Fresh gives more bright taste, but frozen works fine.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs only?
A: Yes. Thighs stay moist and taste good. Cut into bite pieces like breasts.

Q: How do I keep the chicken crisp after sauce?
A: Toss just before serving. Do not let it sit in sauce too long.

Q: Can I use cornstarch only for the coating?
A: Yes. Cornstarch gives extra crisp. You can skip flour if you like.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. Omit red pepper flakes for a child-friendly taste.

Conclusion

For more ideas and a step-by-step cook guide, see this recipe: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (with Homemade Sauce) – Cookin …

Easy Orange Chicken