Description
Orange chicken is a crispy, golden-fried chicken dish tossed in a sticky, sweet-tangy sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. It's a homemade takeout favorite that's both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (or alternative binder)
- 1 cup cornstarch (or mix of cornstarch and flour)
- Oil for frying (neutral oil like canola or vegetable)
- 3/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2–3 tbsp brown sugar, honey, or other sweetener
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste, for heat
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, orange slices
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece into beaten egg, then coat evenly in cornstarch or a cornstarch-flour mix.
- Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve hot over rice or with vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or extra zest if desired.
Notes
- Double fry the chicken for extra crunch.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- For a healthier version, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
