Description
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is a quick, satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving restaurant-quality food without leaving the house.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil for frying (or more as needed)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and continue to simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the fried chicken to the skillet or wok and pour the sauce over it. Toss until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding more vinegar. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying chicken to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 22
Keywords: orange chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, quick dinner, Asian recipe, homemade takeout