Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between crispy, sweet, and tangy like homemade Orange Chicken. This classic takeout favorite delivers golden, tender bites of chicken coated in a zesty, sticky orange sauce that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. The best part? You can get all the flavor you love, fresh and piping hot from your own kitchen, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner that impresses every time.

A Standout Orange Chicken Recipe

What sets this Orange Chicken recipe apart is its irresistible combination of crispy chicken and a glossy, vividly flavored orange sauce. The sauce might just steal the show—with fresh citrus notes, a gentle kick of ginger, and the perfect amount of sweetness, it clings beautifully to the chicken without becoming cloying. Whether you serve it over rice or as a finger food at gatherings, it’s sure to please the crowd.

Prepping the Chicken and Veggies for Maximum Flavor

Start by using the freshest boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a juicier result. For clean, efficient dicing, a tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper ensures evenly cut chicken pieces and swiftly chopped aromatics, which helps the chicken cook evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.

For that signature crunch without deep frying, toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch—this method locks in juiciness while creating a crispy exterior. If you prefer a lighter alternative, an COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 achieves golden results with minimal oil and significantly less mess.

Making the Perfect Orange Sauce

The heart of orange chicken lies in its sauce: fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger come together for a vibrant, complex flavor. To ensure your sauce is silky and well incorporated, mix the ingredients using the power of a high-quality blender such as the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender. This ensures that zest and aromatics blend seamlessly, giving you a luscious sauce every time.

Cooking and Assembly

To create even, consistent browning on each chicken piece, use a reliable skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This allows the chicken to crisp perfectly without sticking, making cleanup swift and simple.

Once golden, toss the chicken with the heated orange sauce until every piece is coated and glossy. Serve immediately with steamed rice or veggies.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For a vibrant meal, serve Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice and lightly sautéed broccoli or snap peas. The dish packs well for meal prep—store individual portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep leftovers fresh.

For gatherings, offer Orange Chicken as the centerpiece, using a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White for easy cleanup after the feast.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings. Each portion contains about 450–500 calories, depending on ingredient choices (chicken breast vs. thigh, amount of sugar and oil used). For the healthiest option, opt for air frying and moderate the amount of sauce served.

Unforgettable Homemade Orange Chicken (Recap)

Homemade Orange Chicken delights with its crispy, tender pieces and bold, citrus-forward sauce. Its manageable prep, bold flavors, and stunning presentation make it a winning choice for family meals or entertaining friends—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

Instructions

1. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, consistent results.
2. Place the chicken in a bowl, season lightly with salt, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Dip each piece in the beaten eggs.
3. Set your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat and add the oil. Working in batches, cook the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
4. In a bowl (or a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender), combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Whisk or blend until smooth.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened.
6. Return the chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce until glossy and evenly covered.
7. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, with extra orange zest or green onions for garnish.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Enjoy show-stopping Orange Chicken every time, right at home!