Easy Orange Chicken

Introduction

Easy Orange Chicken is a delicious, homemade take on the classic takeout favorite. Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.

I still remember the first time I made this—it instantly became a family favorite! The bright, citrusy aroma filled the kitchen, and every bite had the perfect mix of crunch and sticky, flavorful sauce. What’s great about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference, and it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can recreate this takeout classic in no time. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or looking to impress with a homemade meal, this Easy Orange Chicken is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Family meals
• Takeout cravings
• Asian-inspired feasts

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken

Here’s why Easy Orange Chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crispy and Flavorful: The chicken is lightly coated and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a rich, citrusy sauce.
• Sweet and Tangy: The sauce features the perfect balance of sweet orange and a slight tang from rice vinegar and soy sauce.
• Easy to Make: No need for takeout—this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and sweetness to your preference, or try different proteins like shrimp or tofu.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy a fresher, less greasy version of your favorite dish with no unnecessary additives.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Easy Orange Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
• 1 tablespoon green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: Fresh citrus gives the sauce a bright, authentic flavor.
• Cornstarch Coating: Helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken while keeping it tender inside.
• Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: Adds umami depth and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the sauce.
• Ginger & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add warmth and complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the pieces in cornstarch, then dip them in beaten eggs, and finally coat them with flour.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Make the Orange Sauce:

4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the mixture into a pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Coat the Chicken: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Drizzle in sesame oil for added depth of flavor.

Serve:

8. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken

Easy Orange Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• With Steamed Rice – Serve over fluffy white or jasmine rice to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce.
• With Fried Rice – Pair with classic egg-fried rice or vegetable fried rice for extra flavor.
• With Noodles – Toss with lo mein, chow mein, or even rice noodles for a hearty meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps – Spoon into crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb option.
• With Steamed Vegetables – Serve alongside broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Over Cauliflower Rice – A lighter alternative for a healthier, low-carb dish.
• With Quinoa – Serve over cooked quinoa for a protein-packed twist.
• In a Stir-Fry – Mix with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a veggie-filled dish.
• As a Rice Bowl – Layer with rice, avocado, shredded cabbage, and sesame seeds for a vibrant meal.
• In a Wrap – Stuff into a tortilla with shredded lettuce and cucumbers for an Asian-inspired wrap.

Additional Tips for Easy Orange Chicken

• Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides a more vibrant flavor than store-bought.
• Double the Sauce: If you like extra sauce for drizzling over rice, make a larger batch.
• Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Fry the chicken twice—once at a lower temp to cook through, then again at a higher temp for crispiness.
• Bake Instead of Fry: For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Try Different Proteins: This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
• Reheat Properly: To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in an oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

Recipe Variations for Easy Orange Chicken

Try these 10 variations of Easy Orange Chicken:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Use only honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace flour with a cornstarch-only coating.
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Air fry the coated chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty touch.
• Pineapple Orange Chicken: Mix in diced pineapple for extra sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Garlic Butter Orange Chicken: Finish with a touch of melted garlic butter for richness.
• Vegan Orange Tofu: Use crispy tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Orange Chicken: Skip the flour and sugar, using a sugar-free sweetener and almond flour.
• Orange Cashew Chicken: Toss in roasted cashews for added crunch.

Freezing and Storage for Easy Orange Chicken

• Freezing: Store cooked and cooled orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Special Equipment for Easy Orange Chicken

Here are some kitchen tools that make preparing Easy Orange Chicken easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet – Ensures even cooking and quick stir-frying.
• Deep Frying Thermometer – Helps maintain the right oil temperature for frying.
• Mixing Bowls – For marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
• Whisk – To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Tongs – Makes flipping and removing fried chicken easier.
• Spider Strainer – Drains excess oil from fried chicken pieces.
• Zester or Microplane – Extracts fine orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
• Garlic Press – Quickly minces garlic for the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Rice Cooker – For perfectly cooked rice to serve with the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Orange Chicken

1. Can I make this recipe healthier?
   Yes, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying, and reduce the sugar.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower.
3. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Fresh orange juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
   Add more cornstarch slurry if needed.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work great.

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Conclusion

Easy Orange Chicken is a deliciously crispy, sweet, and tangy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Coated in a vibrant orange sauce, each bite is packed with the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and savory goodness.

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a takeout favorite made at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

I’d love to see how your Easy Orange Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!