Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Takeout Favorite Made Simple

Craving crispy, sweet, and tangy orange chicken but don’t want to order takeout? This easy orange chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish straight to your kitchen—without the hassle! Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a family dinner, this step-by-step guide will help you master a homemade easy orange chicken recipe that’s just as delicious as the one from your favorite Chinese takeout spot.

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring bite-sized pieces of crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Unlike authentic Chinese recipes, this version leans more on the sweet and citrusy flavors, making it a staple at restaurants like Panda Express.

If you’re wondering whether you can make this dish healthier, the answer is yes! You can opt for air frying or baking instead of deep frying, giving you the same crispy texture with less oil.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The key to the best homemade easy orange chicken recipe is a balanced sauce and a crispy coating. Below are the essential ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs for a juicier bite)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (use light soy sauce for less saltiness)
• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry to thicken)

If you’re wondering what could be rice vinegar substitues, check out this article.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create restaurant-quality crispy orange chicken recipe at home.

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat it with the cornstarch mixture.

2. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch, until golden brown.
3. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

3. Make the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 more minutes until thickened.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Toss the crispy chicken into the sauce until well coated.
2. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest.
3. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles!

Cooking Methods Compared for this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

While deep-frying gives the best texture, you can also try:

• Air Frying:
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spray chicken lightly with oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Baking:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Pan Frying:
  • Use 3-4 tablespoons of oil and cook over medium heat, turning until golden brown.

If you’re looking for baking alternatives, check out this guide on baking chicken for a healthier alternative.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken Recipe

Since orange chicken is sweet, tangy, and slightly crispy, it pairs best with savory and mildly seasoned side dishes that balance the bold flavors. Whether you want something traditional, healthy, or indulgent, here are some great serving ideas:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice (Classic Pairing)

Nothing complements crispy orange chicken better than fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice. The mild flavor and light texture help absorb the zesty, sweet, and savory sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying. If you prefer basmati rice, that works well too.

2. Fried Rice (For Extra Flavor)

If you’re looking to elevate your meal, swap plain rice for fried rice. This adds extra texture and umami flavor, making the dish even more delicious. Some great fried rice variations include:

• Classic Egg Fried Rice – A simple mix of rice, scrambled eggs, scallions, and soy sauce.
• Vegetable Fried Rice – Packed with peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
• Garlic Butter Fried Rice – Rich and slightly nutty, perfect for soaking up the orange sauce.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry (Light & Healthy)

For a lighter and more balanced meal, serve orange chicken with a quick vegetable stir-fry. The crunchy texture and fresh flavors help offset the sweetness of the sauce. Some great vegetables to stir-fry include:

• Broccoli – Soaks up the sauce while adding a nutritious, crunchy bite.
• Bell Peppers – Their mild sweetness pairs well with the tangy orange glaze.
• Snap Peas – Adds freshness and a bit of crunch.

Toss the vegetables with a splash of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.

4. Lo Mein or Ramen Noodles (For a Takeout-Style Meal)

If you love noodles, serving orange chicken over a bowl of lo mein or ramen is a fantastic choice. The savory, slightly chewy noodles absorb the sauce beautifully and make for a satisfying meal. Try:

• Soy Sauce Lo Mein – Toss lo mein noodles in a simple soy-garlic sauce.
• Garlic Butter Ramen – Quick and easy with rich umami flavors.
• Spicy Sesame Noodles – For those who love a bit of heat.

For a Sweet-Savory Twist

If you love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, try these winter lemon recipes as well.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken

Even though this easy orange chicken recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them for the best crispy, flavorful, and well-balanced orange chicken.

1. Soggy Chicken

If the chicken turns out greasy or soft instead of crispy, it’s usually due to:

• Oil temperature too low – Always heat oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan – Fry in small batches to maintain heat.
• Skipping the cornstarch coating – This helps create a crispy exterior.

Fix: If the chicken gets soggy, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes before tossing it in the sauce.

2. Sauce Too Thick or Too Thin

A perfect orange sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly sticky or runny.

• If too thick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth and stir.
• If too thin: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water, then add to the sauce and simmer.

Tip: Always dissolve cornstarch in water before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumps.

3. Sauce is Too Sweet or Too Salty

• Too sweet? Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to cut the sweetness.
• Too salty? Balance it with a little more orange juice or brown sugar.
• Still too strong? Dilute with a tablespoon of water or broth.

Prevention: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust gradually.

FAQs About this Easy Orange ChickenRrecipe

Q: Can I make orange chicken without frying?
A: Yes! Try air frying or baking for a lighter version.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat orange chicken?
A: Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving.

Q: Can I use orange marmalade instead of juice?
A: Yes, but reduce the sugar since marmalade is already sweet.

Q: How do I make orange chicken gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and substitute cornstarch for flour.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add Sriracha, extra red pepper flakes, or more ginger to the sauce.

Making this homemade easy orange chicken recipe is easier than you think! With the right balance of sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors, you can recreate this Chinese takeout favorite right in your kitchen.

Whether you choose to deep fry, air fry, or bake, this easy orange chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress! Try it out, and let us know how it turns out in the comments!

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