Orange chicken is a beloved classic known for its crispy texture and sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze. While it’s a staple at many Chinese-American restaurants, making it at home is surprisingly simple and even more delicious.
This recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors, combining fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce with a hint of garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes for depth. The crispy fried chicken, coated in a glossy orange sauce, makes for a mouthwatering dish that the whole family will love.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner upgrade or a fun weekend cooking project, this homemade orange chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why This Orange Chicken Recipe Stands Out
1. A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
This dish brings together natural sweetness from fresh orange juice and honey, balanced by savory soy sauce and aromatic spices. The result is a sauce that is sticky, rich, and packed with flavor.
2. Irresistibly Crispy Chicken
The double coating of cornstarch and flour creates a light yet crispy exterior that holds up beautifully under the sauce. Unlike some takeout versions that become soggy, this method ensures every bite stays crunchy.
3. Healthier Than Takeout
By making orange chicken at home, you can control the ingredients, avoiding excessive sodium, preservatives, and added sugars often found in restaurant versions. You can also choose to bake or air-fry the chicken for a lighter version.
4. A Restaurant-Quality Dish in Under 45 Minutes
This dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few steps: coat and fry the chicken, make the sauce, then toss everything together. It’s a quick way to bring takeout flavors into your kitchen without waiting for delivery.
5. Customizable to Your Taste
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a tangier sauce? Increase the vinegar. Need a gluten-free version? Use cornstarch instead of flour and tamari instead of soy sauce. This recipe is adaptable to any dietary preference.
A Sweet and Savory Delight (Ingredients)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- Fresh orange juice
- Honey
- White vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Orange zest
- Garlic powder
- Ginger powder
- Paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
Golden Perfection in Every Bite (Directions)
- Prepare the Chicken – Coat chicken pieces in egg, then dredge in a seasoned flour-cornstarch mixture.
- Fry Until Crispy – Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce – Simmer orange juice, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and seasonings until thickened.
- Toss and Serve – Coat crispy chicken in the sauce, garnish with red pepper flakes and green onions, and serve over rice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 328 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 806mg
- Sugar: 27g
- Vitamin C: 23mg
Ways to Customize This Recipe
1. Baked Orange Chicken
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the batter and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Then toss with the sauce.
2. Air-Fryer Orange Chicken
For a crunchy yet lower-fat version, use an air fryer. Cook the coated chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method keeps the chicken crispy while reducing oil usage.
3. Spicy Orange Chicken
Love heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick. A teaspoon of chili garlic sauce will also add an extra layer of bold flavor.
4. Orange Chicken with Vegetables
For a well-rounded meal, toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. The vegetables soak up the sauce and add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
5. Gluten-Free Orange Chicken
Use gluten-free cornstarch instead of flour and swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. This makes the dish completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Orange Chicken
1. Steamed White or Brown Rice
A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce, allowing you to enjoy every last drop.
2. Fried Rice
For a heartier meal, serve orange chicken with vegetable or egg fried rice, packed with scallions, peas, and carrots.
3. Garlic Noodles
Soft, buttery garlic noodles provide a rich contrast to the sweet citrusy sauce.
4. Steamed or Stir-Fried Vegetables
Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas complement the dish’s flavors while adding extra nutrients.
5. Asian Slaw
A crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw with a light sesame dressing adds freshness to balance out the richness of the chicken.
Expert Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
1. Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest
Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest add a bright, natural citrus flavor that bottled juice can’t replicate.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Frying
To achieve a crispy coating, fry the chicken in batches so that each piece cooks evenly without steaming.
3. Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent
For even frying, keep the oil at 350°F. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy. Too high, and it may burn before cooking through.
4. Thicken the Sauce Properly
A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with warm water) helps create a smooth, thick, and glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
5. Toss the Chicken Just Before Serving
To keep the chicken crispy, coat it in the sauce just before serving rather than letting it sit too long.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooked, uncoated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with fresh sauce.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but this may soften the crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Dish Without Frying the Chicken?
Yes! You can bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying. Both methods still yield a crispy texture with less oil.
2. What Kind of Chicken Works Best?
Boneless chicken breast gives a leaner texture, while chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.
3. Can I Use Store-Bought Orange Juice?
Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor, but high-quality, 100% pure orange juice without added sugar can also work.
4. How Can I Make the Sauce Less Sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly and increase the vinegar for a more tangy, balanced sauce.
5. Can I Add More Vegetables to the Dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas all pair wonderfully with the flavors of orange chicken.
6. Is This Dish Spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or leaving them out.
7. What’s the Best Way to Keep the Chicken Crispy?
For maximum crunch, fry the chicken in batches, coat it in sauce right before serving, and avoid storing it coated in sauce for too long.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Homemade Orange Chicken
This homemade orange chicken is the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of your kitchen. With its crispy golden chicken and bold, citrusy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By making it from scratch, you can control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and even opt for healthier cooking methods. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry, this recipe is simple, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
So why wait for takeout? Grab some fresh oranges, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to the best homemade orange chicken you’ve ever had!
Print
Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken: A Takeout Favorite Made at Home
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce—this homemade Orange Chicken is even better than takeout! With fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, this dish packs bold flavor while remaining quick, easy, and customizable. Serve over rice or with stir-fried vegetables for the perfect meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange slices
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
4. Coat the Chicken & Serve
- Toss crispy chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and orange slices.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Double fry the chicken—let it cool for 5 minutes, then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
- Make It Healthier:
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-Fryer Version: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and all cornstarch instead of flour.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Reduce honey and add more vinegar for a tangier sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
