Classic Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Chinese-American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
1 tbsp water (for sauce slurry)
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp orange zest
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, coat the chicken pieces first in cornstarch, then dip into beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to form a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For a healthier version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
You can substitute freshly squeezed orange juice for a more natural flavor.
Adjust sugar and vinegar levels to balance the sweetness and tang to your taste.