I remember craving my favorite takeout one evening but I wanted to make something fresher at home so I tried recreating orange chicken from scratch. I coated chicken pieces in a light crispy batter and tossed them in a sweet tangy orange glaze. The aroma of citrus and soy sauce filled the kitchen and the flavor was even better than the restaurant version.

Now this easy crispy orange chicken recipe has become a regular dinner option because it’s quick to make and satisfies that craving for something both savory and sweet. My family loves it served over rice with extra sauce and I love how simple it is to prepare any night of the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Chicken breast – The protein base, tender and perfect for bite-sized pieces.
Cornstarch – Creates a light crisp coating when fried.
Flour – Combines with cornstarch to make the batter sturdy.
Eggs – Help the coating stick to the chicken.
Oil – For frying until golden and crispy.
Orange juice – The main flavor in the glaze, sweet and citrusy.
Orange zest – Intensifies the orange flavor.
Soy sauce – Adds a savory umami note to balance the sweetness.
Rice vinegar – Brings tanginess to the sauce.
Brown sugar – Sweetens and deepens the flavor of the glaze.
Garlic – Adds an aromatic punch to the sauce.
Ginger – Gives warmth and spice to the glaze.
Cornstarch slurry – Thickens the sauce for that glossy coating.
Sesame seeds – A finishing touch for garnish and texture.
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls – For coating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Whisk – To combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Skillet or wok – Perfect for frying and later tossing the chicken in sauce.
Tongs – Helpful for frying and removing the chicken pieces.
Paper towels – For draining excess oil.

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

I prepare the coating by mixing flour and cornstarch in one bowl and beating eggs in another. I dip the chicken in the eggs then dredge them in the flour mixture.

Step 3:

I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy then place them on paper towels to drain.

Step 4:

For the sauce I whisk together orange juice orange zest soy sauce rice vinegar brown sugar minced garlic and grated ginger in a pan. I bring it to a simmer then stir in a cornstarch slurry until it thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 5:

I add the fried chicken to the sauce tossing to coat every piece thoroughly.

Step 6:

Finally I garnish with sesame seeds and a few orange zest strips before serving it hot over rice or noodles.

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Tips

For an extra citrus kick I add a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice right before serving. If you prefer a spicier version you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. To make it lighter you can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.

Ways to Serve

This crispy orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fried rice for a full meal. It’s also delicious with stir-fried vegetables or even served in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make easy crispy orange chicken without frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes or use an air fryer until crispy.

Can I use store-bought orange sauce?

You can, but making the sauce from scratch gives a fresher flavor and better texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet to keep the coating crispy.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this easy crispy orange chicken recipe a try because it’s packed with flavor and so fun to make at home. Share your version with me because I’d love to know how you enjoy it.

Happy Cooking!