Easy Orange Chicken

If you love that crispy, tangy, and sweet flavor that you get from your favorite takeout, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Orange Chicken recipe. It’s a dish that gives you all the goodness of your go-to Chinese restaurant meal, but without having to leave the house or deal with delivery fees! Imagine crispy chicken coated in a glossy, sticky orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor—sweet, tangy, with just a little kick. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends at your next gathering. Trust me, this one is a game-changer, and you’re going to want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Easy Orange Chicken

Here’s why this recipe is going to become your new favorite:

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crispy Chicken: The chicken gets perfectly crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. That texture is everything!
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The sauce is the star here—bright, sweet, and tangy with a touch of heat, making every bite utterly addictive.
• Budget-Friendly: You won’t have to break the bank ordering takeout anymore. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable: Want to kick up the heat? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? You can easily adjust the spice level. It’s totally up to you!

Ingredients

You’re just a few ingredients away from this mouthwatering meal:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: This is the base of your dish. Tender chicken that’ll soak up all the goodness of the orange sauce.
• Cornstarch: For coating the chicken to get that crispy, golden crust.
• Flour: Helps give the chicken a light, crunchy exterior.
• Eggs: To help bind the flour and cornstarch together, ensuring a perfect coating on the chicken.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh, aromatic flavors that’ll kick up the sauce to the next level.
• Orange Juice: The main ingredient for the tangy-sweet sauce—use freshly squeezed for the best flavor!
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness of the orange juice with a little acidity.
• Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and balances the tanginess from the vinegar and orange juice.
• Sesame Oil: Gives the sauce a nutty, fragrant flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat (optional but delicious!).
• Green Onions: For garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Rice or Noodles: To serve it over, making it a full meal.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it with the flour-cornstarch mixture. Make sure it’s evenly coated so you get that crispy exterior.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the sauce has thickened, toss the crispy chicken pieces in the sauce until they’re all nicely coated. Let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the chicken to soak up some of the sauce. This step is where all the magic happens—those crispy bits absorb the sweet and tangy sauce, and every bite becomes irresistible.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor. Enjoy the crispy, saucy goodness with every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown for each serving of Easy Orange Chicken (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 35g
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to make it a complete meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, this rice is the perfect base for the saucy chicken.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Pair it with a quick stir-fry of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
• Noodles: Serve it over noodles for a twist on the classic rice option—lo mein or ramen noodles work great!

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to really turn up the heat.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it up when you’re ready to use it!
• Serve With Veggies: You can add some steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas to the chicken while tossing it in the sauce for a one-pot dish that’s a little more well-rounded.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can make the dish even juicier.

Q2: Can I make this in advance?
A2: While the chicken is best when it’s freshly fried and crispy, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.

Q3: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for coating the chicken. You can also substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A4: Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or stovetop when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Absolutely! You can add some sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?
A7: You can use bottled orange juice if that’s what you have on hand, though fresh will give it a brighter, more natural flavor.

Q8: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A8: Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give it a kick.

Q9: Can I use other fruit juices for the sauce?
A9: You can experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or lime, but orange juice is the key to the classic flavor of this dish.

Q10: Can I make this recipe in a wok?
A10: Yes! A wok is perfect for this recipe as it allows for even cooking and gives the chicken an extra crispy texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is everything you want in a quick, flavorful meal—crispy, tangy, and sweet with just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re craving takeout or want to impress someone special, this dish is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal ready in no time. Happy cooking!

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