Who doesn’t love the tangy, sweet flavor of orange chicken that bursts with a citrusy zest and tender, crispy chicken pieces? With this delightful recipe, you’ll have your homemade version ready in no timeโno need to order takeout!
Ingredients
- Oranges โ 2, zest and juice
- Orange juice โ 240 ml (1 cup)
- Soy sauce โ 45 ml (3 tablespoons)
- Toasted sesame oil โ 5 ml (1 teaspoon)
- Sugar โ 100 g (0.5 cup)
- Rice vinegar โ 60 ml (0.25 cup)
- Red chili flakes โ 0.5 teaspoon
- Garlic powder โ 0.5 teaspoon
- Ground ginger โ 0.5 teaspoon
- Cornstarch โ 1 tablespoon + 60 g (0.5 cup) for dredging
- Water or extra orange juice โ 2 tablespoons
- Chicken breasts โ 4, boneless and skinless
- Eggs โ 2
- Flour โ 60 g (0.5 cup)
- Salt and pepper โ to taste
- Oil โ for frying, about 25 mm (1 inch) in a large pan
- Green onions โ for garnish, chopped
Steps to Make Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Sauce
Zest two oranges and set aside. Juice the oranges to get about 240 ml (1 cup) of juice. Mix the juice with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, red chili flakes, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Set this aromatic, sweet-and-savory sauce aside. - Thicken the Sauce
Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water or extra orange juice. This will be added to the sauce later for thickness and a silky texture. - Prepare the Chicken
Cut four boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Beat two eggs in a bowl and mix the chicken pieces into the eggs. - Set Up Dredging Station
In another bowl, combine the flour and 0.5 cup of cornstarch. This mixture will coat the chicken, making it extra crispy when fried. - Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then fry them in batches until golden brown. Cook each piece until itโs crispy and tender. - Cook the Sauce
While chicken pieces rest on a wire rack, bring the sauce to a boil in a separate pan. Stir in the orange zest and the prepared slurry. Let it cook until thick. - Toss and Serve
Combine the golden chicken pieces with the bubbling, fragrant sauce, ensuring an even coat. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh bite and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Now you can enjoy delicious, homemade orange chicken that rivals any restaurant version. This dish is perfect for dinner gatherings or a scrumptious weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
