Crispy Orange Chicken brings all the irresistible flavors of your favorite takeout, but made easily at home in just 30 minutes! The chicken is coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce that perfectly balances the richness of the fried chicken. With tender chicken pieces and a zesty sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any occasion. Serve it with rice or noodles, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs (beaten)
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1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
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1/2 cup fresh orange juice
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3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp sugar
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3 garlic cloves (minced)
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1/2 tsp ginger powder
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Set up a Breading Station:
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In one bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt.
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In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Coat the Chicken:
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Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 350°F).
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Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Orange Sauce:
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In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger powder.
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Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Coat the Chicken:
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Once the sauce has thickened, toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until the pieces are well-coated.
7. Serve:
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Serve the crispy orange chicken immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or snap peas along with the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.
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Orange Zest: For extra citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in the air fryer or in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add extra sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. The cooking time may be slightly longer depending on the size of the pieces.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply reheat the sauce and fry the chicken right before serving.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve the crispy orange chicken over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
6. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add some chili paste, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the orange sauce for a spicier version.
7. Can I use bottled orange juice?
For the best flavor, fresh orange juice is recommended, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose one with no added sugar.
8. Can I freeze the leftover crispy chicken?
You can freeze the fried chicken pieces (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness, then toss in the sauce.
9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce will make the dish a little less salty, which is a great option if you’re watching your sodium intake.
10. Can I add more sugar to the sauce?
Yes, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more sugar or even honey to taste.
Conclusion
Crispy Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and sweet, with the tang of orange sauce bringing everything together. This dish is quick, easy, and satisfying—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The crispy chicken paired with the zesty sauce will leave everyone craving more!
Print
Crispy Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy Orange Chicken brings the sweet and savory flavors of your favorite takeout dish right into your kitchen! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a tangy orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a crispy, flavorful meal. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tsp ginger powder
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Set Up the Breading Station:
In one bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Bread the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then coat each piece thoroughly with the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
Fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
Make the Orange Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger powder.
Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, until it slightly thickens.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
Serve:
Serve the crispy orange chicken immediately, over rice or noodles.
Notes
Chicken Tip: Make sure to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the pieces to become soggy.
Sauce Tip: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
