Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken, cut bite size; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/4 cup green onion, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup cold water

Featured in Delicious Dinner Ideas.

Takeout style orange chicken at home. Takes 40 minutes. Serves 8. Perfect weeknight Chinese dinner.

By Norah Momoria

Updated on Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:53:38 GMT

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Transform your kitchen into a Chinese restaurant with this copycat orange chicken that rivals Panda Express. This recipe creates perfectly crispy chicken pieces glazed in sweet-tangy orange sauce that's perfect for satisfying takeout cravings at home.

Through extensive testing, I discovered that proper frying technique and sauce balance create the most authentic takeout experience.

Essential Elements

Fresh chicken creates perfect base

Proper coating ensures crispiness

Orange sauce balances flavors

Hot oil maintains crunch

Perfect sauce consistency

Green onions add freshness

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe | recipesim.com

Creating Chicken Magic

Create crispy exterior layer.

Heat to proper frying temp.

Fry until golden brown.

Balance sweet and tangy flavors.

Glaze chicken pieces evenly.

Add fresh garnish.

Perfect Serving Ideas

Transform this orange chicken into a complete takeout experience by serving with:

Steamed white rice
Homemade fried rice
Fresh stir-fried vegetables
Fortune cookies for fun
Extra sauce on side

Cooking Variations

Customize your cooking method to match your needs:

Traditional deep frying
Air fryer version
Instant Pot adaptation
Lighter coating options
Different sauce thickness levels

Storage Success

Keep leftover chicken fresh by storing sauce and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For best results when reheating:

Warm chicken in oven for crispiness
Heat sauce separately
Combine just before serving
Use within 3-4 days

Professional Tips

Maintain consistent oil temperature

Don't overcrowd when frying

Keep sauce warm but not hot

Garnish just before serving

Test sauce thickness before coating

My journey with this orange chicken recipe has evolved from simple craving to creating the perfect homemade version. Remember, great takeout-style dishes combine proper technique with quality ingredients, creating meals that rival any restaurant version.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Best chicken to use?: Thighs are juicier but breasts work too.
→ Which oil for frying?: Vegetable oil works best for this recipe.
→ Need deep fryer?: Regular skillet works fine, fill 1/2 inch deep.
→ Air fryer option?: Cook coated chicken 25 minutes at 180°F.
→ Make sauce thicker?: Add more cornstarch slurry as needed.

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy fried chicken in sweet-tangy orange sauce. Better than takeout Chinese favorite made at home.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

By: Norah Momoria

Category: Dinner Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Coating

01 2 pounds boneless chicken, cut bite size

02 1 large egg

03 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

04 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

05 1 cup cornstarch

06 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Aromatics

07 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

08 1 teaspoon ground ginger

09 2 cloves garlic, pressed

10 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

11 1/4 cup green onion, chopped

12 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

13 2 tablespoons soy sauce

→ Orange Glaze

14 1/4 cup soy sauce

15 1/4 cup water

16 1/3 cup light brown sugar

17 1/3 cup granulated sugar

18 1/2 cup orange juice

19 2 tablespoons white vinegar

20 2 tablespoons cornstarch

21 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions

Step 01

Mix egg, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons oil. Combine cornstarch and flour separately. Dip chicken in egg then flour mixture.

Step 02

Heat oil 1/2 inch deep. Fry chicken until cooked through. Remove chicken, drain oil leaving 2 tablespoons.

Step 03

Stir-fry ginger, garlic, peppers, onions in remaining oil with sesame oil and soy sauce until softened.

Step 04

Add remaining sauce ingredients except cornstarch mixture. Boil, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.

Step 05

Pour hot glaze over chicken. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.

Notes

Can use chicken thighs or breasts
Works in air fryer too
Vegetable oil works best

Tools You'll Need

Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Thermometer (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains eggs
Contains wheat
Contains soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: ~
Total Fat: ~
Total Carbohydrate: ~
Protein: ~