Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Tangy, and Flavorful

Orange chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its vibrant, tangy, and sweet sauce that perfectly coats crispy chicken pieces. This dish combines a delightful balance of flavors – the zesty orange sauce, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of savory goodness, making it a favorite for many. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to recreate this dish at home, this orange chicken recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results. Serve it with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Of Orange Chicken Recipe

Why You Will Love This Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange chicken is an irresistible combination of crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The crispy coating gives way to a flavorful, juicy interior, while the orange sauce is bursting with citrusy brightness and a touch of sweetness. This homemade version is not only easy to make but is also healthier and fresher than takeout. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or as a weekend treat, this orange chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Preparation Process Of Orange Chicken Recipe

Making orange chicken at home is simple yet rewarding. The chicken is first coated in a light flour and cornstarch batter before being fried until crispy. While the chicken is frying, you prepare the vibrant orange sauce using orange juice, zest, and a few pantry staples. The sauce is then thickened with a cornstarch slurry and poured over the crispy chicken, creating a glossy, flavorful coating. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful presentation.

Step By Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.

Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the orange chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Pair it with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve?

• Serve with Rice: Orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Add Vegetables: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
• Garnish: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add extra texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Recipe Card

Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe – Sweet, Tangy, and Flavorful

Recipe by Rachael ray

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

400-450

kcal

Orange chicken is a sweet, savory, and crispy dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its vibrant flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat. This homemade version is healthier and more flavorful than takeout, and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re craving something tangy, sweet, or spicy, this orange chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Try it today, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
• Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2 minutes.
• Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish the orange chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Pair it with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Storage: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, though the chicken may lose some of its crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the cooked orange chicken to cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Reheat by baking or stir-frying.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the sauce to your preference depending on how sweet or tangy you like your orange chicken.

FAQs

Conclusion