Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange Chicken Recipe is a popular Chinese-style chicken dish made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a light batter, fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.

The sauce is usually made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili flakes, giving it that perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and citrusy.

It’s one of the most loved takeout-style chicken recipes because it pairs so well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

If you’ve ever craved that sweet, tangy, and crispy orange chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, you’re in for a treat.

This Orange Chicken Recipe is my go-to whenever I want something comforting, flavorful, and just plain satisfying. The crispy golden chicken pieces tossed in a glossy homemade orange sauce are nothing short of addictive.

I love making this at home because it tastes fresher than takeout and I get to control the flavors.

The zesty orange juice, a touch of ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of chili flakes all come together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.

Plus, it doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a pan, a bowl, and a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe?

This easy orange chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons!

• No Frying Fears: We use a simple, perfect batter for a super crispy exterior without needing a deep fryer.
• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: The orange sauce is made with fresh orange juice, zest, a little rice vinegar, and a kick of red chili flakes. You can pronounce everything on the list!
• Faster Than Delivery: From prep to plate, this dish is ready in just about 30 minutes.

Easy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Quick Recipe Overview

This Orange Chicken Recipe makes crispy, tender chicken tossed in a zesty, glossy sauce made from real oranges. It’s truly an authentic orange chicken recipe you can make with ease!

Detail	Inforfation
Prep Time	15 Minutes
Cook Time	20 Minutes
Total Time	35 Minutes
Cuisine	Chinese-American
Course	Main Course
Difficulty Level	Easy
Yield	4 Servings
Servings Size	1 Cup
Calories Per Serving	Approx. 420 (varies based on frying oil)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Chicken Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Orange zest from 1 orange

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless works best, but thighs add extra juiciness.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating. Don’t skip it!
• Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed makes the sauce bright and flavorful. Store-bought juice works too if you’re in a hurry.
• Ginger & Garlic: Fresh gives more flavor, but powdered versions are fine.
• Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
• Sesame Oil: Optional, but it adds a nice nutty aroma.

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cold water to form a smooth batter.
• Coat the chicken pieces in the batter.

2. Fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch).
• Drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and orange zest.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook until glossy.

4. Combine & Serve

• Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if you like.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe?

The best way to enjoy this orange chicken Chinese style is over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that incredible orange sauce.

• Rice: Classic steamed white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice are perfect companions.
• Veggies: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or snap peas for a little crunch.
• Garnish: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some sliced green onions for color and flavor. This presentation can really elevate your dining experience!

Nutrition and Health Benefits of Orange Chicken Recipe

While this is a satisfying meal, this homemade orange chicken recipe can be a great option for a comforting family dinner. Making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, unlike some takeout versions.

• Vitamins: Oranges are packed with Vitamin C, which is great for immune support.
• Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle building and feeling full.
• Control: Since you are preparing the orange sauce yourself, you can easily adjust the sugar and sodium levels to make it a slightly healthier orange chicken recipe compared to restaurant versions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Storing Tips (Storage)

Orange chicken is best eaten immediately when the chicken is at its crispiest.

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken will soften as it sits in the sauce, but the flavor will still be great.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is on a sheet pan in the oven at 350∘F (175∘C) for about 10 minutes to help the coating crisp up a bit. Avoid the microwave if you can!

Recipe Notes

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Fry chicken in small batches for even crispiness.
• Add sesame seeds or chopped scallions for garnish.

FAQ

Conclusion

This homemade orange chicken recipe is crispy, saucy, and way better than takeout. With just a few simple steps, you can bring a restaurant-style meal right to your table.

Now you have everything you need to make the absolute best orange chicken recipe right in your own kitchen. No special equipment, no complex techniques—just simple, flavorful food that tastes better than anything you can get from a restaurant.

I can’t wait for you to make this for your next weeknight meal! Give this traditional orange chicken recipe a try and let me know how much your family loved it.