Print

The Ultimate 30-Minute Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken

Close-up of crispy, glazed pieces of orange chicken recipe piled high on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make crispy, tangy, and sweet orange chicken at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe delivers better-than-takeout flavor with juicy chicken pieces coated in a sticky glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Optional: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dredge the chicken pieces first in the egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, to avoid crowding. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  6. Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet or a clean large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated and sticky.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed white rice with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For an air fryer option, spray the coated chicken lightly with cooking spray and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, before tossing with the sauce.
  • To make this a baked orange chicken recipe, place coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes until crispy.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in your sweet tangy orange sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/orange-chicken-recipe/