Quick & Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange chicken is a dish made from battered and fried chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, tangy sauce made from fresh orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and often enhanced with garlic, ginger, and chili for an extra kick. It’s commonly served over steamed rice and garnished with orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor.

To make orange chicken, you’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 20-30 minutes for cooking. The total time for this recipe is around 45 minutes, making it a quick yet satisfying meal. This makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a weekend feast.

The crispy chicken with the tangy orange sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that brings out the best in each bite. The sauce coats the chicken perfectly, creating a crunchy, flavorful crust. The dish’s sweet and citrusy notes elevate the chicken to new heights, offering a satisfying balance of sweet, sour, and savory. This recipe never fails to impress guests, whether served on a casual dinner night or a special occasion. The rich, vibrant flavor of the sauce is always a crowd favorite, leaving everyone asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This orange chicken recipe is simple to make, with ingredients you probably already have. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty meal fast.
• Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in this orange chicken will make your taste buds dance. The zesty orange sauce adds a burst of freshness, while the crispy chicken brings a delightful crunch.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust this orange chicken recipe to your taste. Add more spice, extra orange zest, or even toss in some veggies for a twist. It’s flexible and great for experimenting!

Ingredient Notes for an Orange Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner. Both work well with the orange sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is used to coat the chicken, giving it a crispy texture when fried. It helps form a nice golden crust.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds extra crispiness to the chicken coating. It also helps create a smooth sauce.
• Baking Powder: A small amount of baking powder makes the batter puff up, adding to the crispiness of the chicken.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the orange sauce.
• Black Pepper: Pepper adds a mild heat and brings a subtle depth to the flavor of the chicken.
• Egg: The egg helps bind the dry ingredients to the chicken, creating a cohesive batter that crisps up nicely.
• Cold Water: Cold water is key in making the batter light and crispy. It helps prevent the flour from becoming too thick.
• Vegetable Oil: You’ll need vegetable oil for frying the chicken. It has a high smoke point and ensures the chicken crisps up without burning.

Orange Chicken Recipe Variation

While the classic orange chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can add your own twist. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Crispy Tofu: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu. Use extra-firm tofu, press it to remove excess water, and cut it into cubes. Coat it in cornstarch and fry it until crispy.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Orange Chicken: For a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of honey to the orange sauce mixture. This gives the dish a richer sweetness.
• Baked Orange Chicken: To make the dish healthier, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour-cornstarch mixture, then bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

These variations allow you to customize your orange chicken to your taste preferences.

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is often served with a side of steamed rice, which complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish. Here are a few more ways to serve it:

• With Vegetables: Serve it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to make a well-rounded meal.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, place the orange chicken on top of a salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, and carrots. Drizzle a bit of extra orange sauce over the top for added flavor.
• With Noodles: Serve orange chicken over a bed of noodles, like lo mein or chow mein, for a delicious, filling meal.

These serving ideas will help you make the most out of your orange chicken.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry. Orange chicken stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Place the orange chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can also freeze orange chicken for longer storage. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.

FAQs About Orange Chicken Recipe

Can I make orange chicken without frying the chicken?
Yes, you can bake or air fry the chicken for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The sauce will still provide the same delicious flavor.

How do I make the orange sauce?
To make the orange sauce, combine fresh orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch to thicken it. Cook it over medium heat until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Is orange chicken spicy?
Orange chicken is generally not very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you like a little heat. The flavor mainly focuses on sweetness and tanginess.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for orange chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to avoid drying out the chicken.