Easy orange chicken recipe

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is a quick, homemade version of the popular takeout dish. Crispy, golden-brown chicken is coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s lighter than deep-fried versions but still packed with flavor! Serve it with steamed rice or vegetables for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

¼ cup cornstarch

¼ cup all-purpose flour (or more cornstarch for a gluten-free option)

1 egg

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp oil (for pan-frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)

1 tbsp orange zest

3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken sauce)

1 tbsp sesame seeds & sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Add the chicken pieces and mix to coat.

In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.

Dredge the chicken in the dry mixture, shaking off excess.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

In a pan over medium heat, add garlic and ginger. Saute until fragrant.

Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until thickened.

4. Combine & Serve:

Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce until well coated.

Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Serve with steamed rice or vegetables.

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Info 

Calories: ~350 kcal

Protein: ~28g

Fat: ~12g

Carbohydrates: ~35g

Fiber: ~1g

Sugar: ~12g

Notes:

Make it healthier: Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying.

Gluten-free option: Use only cornstarch for dredging and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes just as good the next day!