If you have a craving for something sweet, tangy, and irresistibly crispy, this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with a luscious orange sauce bursting with fresh zest and a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. This is not just any takeout classic; making it at home means you control every flavor and texture, turning your kitchen into a fragrant paradise of citrus magic and crispy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun when making this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe. Each component is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture—from the tender chicken thighs to the tangy, zesty orange sauce that makes this dish sparkle. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, they stay moist even after frying.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a crispy coating that locks in the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Supports the other spices with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds that distinctive aromatic zing typical of orange chicken.
- 1 large egg: Helps the flour mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken pieces.
- 1/2 cup water: Whisked with the egg to create a light, effective batter.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: For frying the chicken pieces to that perfect golden crisp.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: The vibrant heart of the sauce, bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Introduces savory umami that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Provides a tangy lift to cut through the richness.
- 1/4 cup honey: Naturally sweet, it helps create that glossy, sticky sauce coating.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A gentle heat tease to keep things exciting.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle nuttiness right before serving.
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken for Perfect Crispiness
Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium heat and adding the vegetable oil until it lightly coats the bottom. While the oil warms up, cut your boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces so every morsel is a perfect, crispy bite bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Creating the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. This blend is your secret weapon for that flavorful crunch everyone loves. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg and water until smooth — this is the glue that will help the coating stick beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Step 3: Coating and Frying the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture to coat fully, then roll in the seasoned flour blend, pressing gently so each piece gets a thick, even crust. Carefully add the coated pieces to your hot skillet in batches—avoid crowding to ensure they become golden and crispy. Fry them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning occasionally to get that even golden color and cooked-through perfection.
Step 4: Making the Classic Orange Sauce
While the chicken is resting on paper towels to drain, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the sauce thickens into a lovely glaze, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Adding the Final Flavor Enhancements
Once thickened, stir in the red pepper flakes and sesame oil, cooking for another minute. Then fold in the grated orange zest — this bright burst of citrus zest will elevate your sauce to restaurant-quality brilliance.
Step 6: Tossing Chicken in the Sauce
Return the fried chicken to the skillet, pour the orange sauce over it, and toss gently to coat every crispy piece evenly. Let it simmer just a bit longer, around 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken absorbs that wonderful tangy sweetness.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the chopped green onions on top—a sprinkle not only adds a fresh pop of color but also lends a crisp bite that contrasts nicely with the sticky, savory-sweet sauce. If you want an extra touch, a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This orange chicken loves good company, so serve it alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or crunchy fried rice to soak up that amazing sauce. Steamed broccoli or snap peas provide a crisp, healthy counterpoint that balances the indulgence perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your homemade orange chicken on crunchy lettuce cups or over a bed of stir-fried noodles. Layer it in a bowl with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a wedge of lime for a vibrant, colorful meal that’s as joyful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the chicken and sauce together so that the flavors continue to mingle. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a fast dinner when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to keep your orange chicken longer, freezing works well. Spread the chicken pieces out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container to avoid clumping. Sauces freeze fine separately in a freezer bag. When thawed, reheat gently to bring back that just-made taste and texture.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This method helps retain some of the crispy coating while warming the flavorful sauce evenly, making it taste almost as fresh as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work, but it tends to be leaner and can dry out easier. To keep it juicy, avoid overcooking and consider marinating briefly before frying.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to suit your heat preference. The sauce still packs plenty of flavor without it.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
What type of orange juice is best?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal for the brightest, freshest flavor, but high-quality bottled juice works fine too. Just avoid any with added sugars to keep the balance right.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with the freshly cooked chicken for quick assembly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. With its crisp chicken and luscious, tangy-orange sauce, it’s a recipe that brings a little sunshine to any mealtime. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this flavorful adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Homemade Orange Chicken recipe features crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs coated in a flavorful, tangy-sweet orange sauce enhanced with hints of ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare on the stovetop, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add vegetable oil to coat the bottom evenly.
- Cut the chicken: Slice the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside for coating.
- Mix dry coating: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
- Prepare egg wash: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk with water until smooth and combined.
- Coat chicken in egg wash: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated for the flour to adhere well.
- Coat chicken in flour mixture: Roll the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing gently to guarantee a thick, even coating.
- Fry the chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces carefully to the hot skillet, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispiness.
- Cook chicken till golden: Fry chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Drain excess oil: Remove chicken from skillet and place on paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.
- Prepare orange sauce base: In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch for the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the sauce mixture over medium heat until it thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add seasoning to sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes and sesame oil and cook for an additional minute to incorporate flavors.
- Add orange zest: Mix grated orange zest into the sauce to infuse a fresh citrus aroma.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, pour the thickened sauce over them, and toss until chicken is evenly coated.
- Simmer for flavor: Cook the coated chicken in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs offer more moisture and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly or cook the sauce longer to reduce.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
