Sweet, tangy, and a little bit sticky—orange chicken is the kind of dish that turns dinner into a crave-worthy occasion. Crispy bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a bold orange glaze that’s packed with fresh citrus, a kick of ginger, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
It’s everything you love about your favorite takeout spot, made fresh in your own kitchen. Serve it over rice with a sprinkle of sliced red chili, and you’ve got a weeknight winner.
⏱ Prep Time 15 minutes ｜ 🔥 Cook Time 25 minutes ｜ 🍽 Servings 4 ｜ 🌱 Difficulty Level Moderate ｜ 📦 Storage Tips Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Ingredients List
For the chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the orange sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional garnish:
Sliced red chili, extra orange zest
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and salt. Dip chicken pieces in egg, then dredge in flour mix.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve hot over rice, garnished with sliced red chili and extra zest if desired.
Recipe Notes / Tips
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites, but breasts work great too.
- Don’t skip the zest—it gives the sauce deep orange flavor.
- For a healthier version, bake or air fry the chicken and simmer the sauce separately.
Nutrition Info (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 28g
- Sugar: 15g
FAQs
- Q: Can I make it ahead?
- A: You can prep the sauce and chicken separately—reheat and toss together just before serving.
- Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
- A: Yes—use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour.
- Q: What goes well with orange chicken?
- A: Steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snow peas.
Crisped, glazed, and garnished to perfection? Snap your spicy-sweet plate and tag it with #the_food_pedia on Instagram! 🍊🌶️✨
