Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this Homemade Orange Chicken recipe brings your favorite takeout dish right into your kitchen — and possibly even better than the restaurant version. Featuring tender chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a sticky, sweet-tart orange sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold citrus flavor.

Inspired by the popular Chinese-American classic, this orange chicken is made with real orange juice and zest, delivering fresh, vibrant notes that elevate the dish. The sauce combines sweet, spicy, and savory components, coating each piece of chicken in a glossy, irresistible glaze. Serve it over steamed rice with a garnish of green onions, and you’ve got a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Perfection – The combination of cornstarch and flour creates the ideal crunchy coating.
2. Fresh Citrus Flavor – Made with real orange juice and zest for a bold, zesty sauce.
3. Better Than Takeout – You control the ingredients and flavor – no mystery sauces here.
4. Family-Friendly – A fun dinner that both kids and adults love.
5. Freezer Friendly – Sauce and fried chicken can be prepped ahead for fast future meals.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Eggs
• Cornstarch
• Flour
• Salt
• Oil for frying

Orange Sauce:

• Orange juice
• Sugar
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Ginger
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Red chili flakes
• Orange zest
• Cornstarch

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Additional orange zest

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
• Make it Spicier: Increase the red chili flakes or add sriracha.
• Baked Version: Bake the breaded chicken at 425°F until crispy for a lighter alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or cauliflower for the chicken.
• Honey Orange Sauce: Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip chicken pieces in the egg, then dredge in the cornstarch-flour mixture until coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with a bit of water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Toss Chicken in Sauce

Place fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss until fully coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and extra orange zest. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent frying temperature (around 350°F).
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying — work in batches for crispy results.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• Double the sauce if you like your chicken extra saucy.
• Serve immediately to preserve the chicken’s crispy texture.

How to Serve

Serve orange chicken hot over white or jasmine rice, with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas on the side. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately, if possible, to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken pieces separately from the sauce. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer for best texture, then toss with reheated sauce.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy. Microwave the sauce separately and combine before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice and zest will give the best flavor.

2. What type of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable or canola oil works well due to high smoke points.

3. Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes. Spray breaded chicken with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Stir-fry bell peppers or broccoli and add to the sauced chicken.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before tossing with chicken.

7. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. What can I serve with orange chicken?

Rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or a simple cucumber salad.

9. How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add a little extra cornstarch slurry while simmering.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in the sauce?

Yes, reduce to ⅓ cup or sweeten with honey or maple syrup.

Conclusion

This Homemade Orange Chicken recipe brings bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and sweet citrus glaze together in a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot. It’s easy to make at home with everyday ingredients and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking it for a casual dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is the perfect balance of indulgent and delicious. Try it once — you’ll be hooked!

Print