Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
- The Secret to Crispy, Flavorful Chicken
- Homemade Orange Sauce: Better Than Takeout
- How to Serve Orange Chicken for the Best Experience
- Tips for Making the Perfect Orange Chicken
Key Takeaways
This homemade orange chicken recipe is the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it better than any takeout option. In just 35 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love. It’s made with fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce that balances the right amount of sweetness and citrusy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
If you’re a fan of quick and easy dinner recipes, this crispy orange chicken will be your new go-to meal. Unlike store-bought versions or takeout, this recipe allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, tastier result. The homemade orange sauce is packed with flavor, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in under 40 minutes!
The Secret to Crispy, Flavorful Chicken
The key to achieving the perfect crispy chicken is using a combination of cornstarch and egg coating before frying. This method creates a light, crunchy texture that soaks up the orange sauce beautifully. Cooking the chicken in batches helps maintain even crispiness, preventing soggy results.
Homemade Orange Sauce: Better Than Takeout
What makes this orange chicken stand out is the homemade sauce. Unlike many store-bought sauces filled with preservatives, this one uses fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and honey for a naturally sweet and tangy taste. A dash of sesame oil and ginger adds depth to the flavor, making it a perfect balance of savory and citrusy.
How to Serve Orange Chicken for the Best Experience
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or stir-fried vegetables. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli. The crispy chicken absorbs the sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds a final touch of crunch and freshness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Orange Chicken
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken by frying it once, letting it cool, and then frying it again.
- Use fresh orange juice instead of bottled to achieve the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- To make this a meal-prep-friendly dish, cook the chicken separately and store the sauce in a separate container until ready to serve.
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Easy Homemade Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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