Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe at home in just 30 minutes! Crispy, kid-friendly bites tossed in a tangy-sweet orange sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or picky eaters.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2-3 cup vegetable or canola oil
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice about 2 medium oranges
- 1 large egg
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- sliced green onions and sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Whisk the egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat evenly with the cornstarch-flour mixture. Let rest for 10 minutes for better adhesion.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350 degrees. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked inside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Orange Sauce: While frying, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly whisk it into the sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from the heat.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the fried chicken into the orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds over steamed rice or your family's favorite grain.
