Craving that classic sweet and tangy orange chicken? If you’re like my family, Chinese takeout is a frequent request, especially for orange chicken. But have you ever wondered exactly what goes into those takeout containers? I started questioning the ingredients, particularly when getting food from drive-thrus. That’s why I set out to create a homemade orange chicken recipe, using wholesome, all-natural ingredients, that still delivers that incredible flavor everyone loves. The result? A total win in our house, and I’m excited to share it with you!
Living in Arizona, winter means citrus season is in full swing. We’re surrounded by neighbors with trees overflowing with fresh oranges and lemons. It’s the perfect time to create dishes that celebrate these bright flavors, and this Chinese Orange Chicken recipe is a perfect example.
This recipe features crispy, golden-fried boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces coated in an authentic homemade orange sauce. And let me tell you about this sauce! It’s a divine blend of sweet and savory, made with fresh orange juice, a touch of vinegar, aromatic garlic and ginger, sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for umami, a hint of red chili flakes for a little kick, and vibrant orange zest. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and bursting with fresh orange flavor.
Mastering Homemade Orange Chicken: Step-by-Step
Want to know How To Make Orange Chicken that rivals your favorite takeout spot? It’s easier than you might think! Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Chicken Prep is Key: Begin with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into perfect bite-sized pieces. For that signature crispy coating, we’ll dredge the chicken in a light and airy mixture of whisked eggs and cornstarch (or flour). Make sure each piece is nicely coated to ensure maximum crispiness when frying.
- Crafting the Perfect Orange Sauce: The heart of this dish is the homemade orange sauce. In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then, create a slurry of cornstarch and water and whisk it into the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency. Finally, stir in the bright, fragrant orange zest.
- Achieving Crispy Chicken: Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Using a thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature control, which is crucial for crispy chicken. Working in batches, carefully fry the chicken pieces for about 2 minutes, until they are lightly golden brown and perfectly cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Drain and Toss: Once the chicken is fried to golden perfection, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- The Grand Finale: Toss and Serve! In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy fried chicken with the luscious homemade sweet orange sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. Garnish with freshly grated orange zest and sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the best homemade orange chicken you’ve ever tasted!
Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
By: Melissa Stadler, Modern Honey
Enjoy this Chinese Orange Chicken recipe that’s even more delicious than takeout!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 Large Eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch
- 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil recommended)
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar (or White Vinegar)
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 Orange
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
Garnish:
- Green Onions, thinly sliced
- Orange Zest, for garnish
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Instructions
-
Prepare the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder (or minced garlic), and red chili flakes. Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until sugar is dissolved and ingredients are combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the orange sauce and whisk to combine.
- Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken and becomes glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh orange zest. Set aside and keep warm.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine flour and cornstarch. Season generously with salt. Stir to combine.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the whisked egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip off, and then dredge in the flour and cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
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Combine and Serve:
- Transfer the crispy fried chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and additional orange zest, if desired. This orange chicken is delicious served over rice or noodles.
Video
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Nutrition Information: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.
Additional Information
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Chinese Orange Chicken, Orange Chicken Recipe, How to Make Orange Chicken
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
This homemade Orange Chicken is guaranteed to become a family favorite and will definitely make you rethink ordering takeout. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Let me know how your orange chicken turns out by connecting with me on Instagram @modern_honey. Happy cooking!
