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Easy Orange Chicken
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Easy Orange Chicken

Crispy bite-sized chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and sticky homemade orange sauce. This easy takeout-style dinner is ready in just 30 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-American
Keyword: Chicken Dinne, Crispy Orange Chicken, Easy Orange Chicken, Homemade Orange Chicken, Takeout Style Chicken
Servings: 6
Calories: 485kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Orange Sauce
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Whisk the eggs in one bowl. In a second bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch mixture.
  • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
  • In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  • Mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  • Add the fried chicken to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
  • Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Fresh orange juice and zest provide the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Fry the chicken in small batches for maximum crispiness.
  • For extra-crispy chicken, fry it a second time for 1–2 minutes.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 485 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Potassium: 520mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Vitamin A: 180 IU
  • Vitamin C: 24mg
  • Calcium: 42mg
  • Iron: 2mg