Description

This homemade Orange Chicken is a Chinese-American favorite featuring crispy fried chicken bites tossed in a zesty, sticky orange glaze. It’s perfect over steamed rice or noodles for an easy and delicious meal!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Crispy Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp baking powder (for extra crispiness)

1 egg

1/2 cup water

1 tbsp soy sauce

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)

1 tbsp orange zest

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/3 cup brown sugar or honey

1 tbsp garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for depth of flavor)

For Serving:

Steamed white or jasmine rice

Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Batter

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg, water, and soy sauce.
Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.
Add chicken pieces and coat well.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil (if using).

Step 4: Toss & Serve

Toss the crispy chicken in the warm orange sauce until well coated.
Serve immediately over steamed rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Baking Option: Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace flour with more cornstarch.
Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-fry the chicken for even more crunch!