This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is a delicious alternative to takeout! Simple crispy chicken bites in a bright citrus sauce with as much spice as you like. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. Best of all, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
Want more fast and easy Asian dinner ideas? Try our Easy Chicken Ramen and our Crispy Homemade Egg Rolls.
I love Asian food, but while I’m always tempted to order Chinese takeout, my wallet thanks me when I cook at home instead. This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is one of my family’s favorite dinners!
Not only is it a cinch to make, but it also tastes amazing. We like it spicy, but the nice thing about the homemade orange chicken, you can adjust the spice level to fit your tastebuds. Enjoy!
Helpful Items for This Recipe
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Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Reusable Chopsticks 5 Pairs Premium Fiberglass Classic Style Lightweight Dishwasher Safe
What Do You Need to Make Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home. You likely already have many, if not all, of the ingredients you need in your fridge and pantry already. It’s such a simple dish with classic flavors, and you’ll be able to find everything you need at the grocery store if you don’t already have it.
Ingredients for the Chicken
Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins – I like to use chicken tenderloin pieces because they are easier to cut into bite-size pieces, but breasts are fine, too. Look for boneless skinless chicken breast or tenderloin pieces.
Corn Starch – This is what makes the chicken pieces taste like crispy fried chicken.
Salt and Pepper – Mix this with the cornstarch before you dredge the chicken pieces for added flavor.
Oil – You’ll want an oil that is good for frying, like Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil or Avocado Oil.
What is the Orange Chicken Sauce Made Of?
Orange Juice – You can use fresh squeezed orange juice or just buy your favorite orange juice. Both work!
Orange Zest – This adds extra orange flavor to the sauce and takes it to the next level.
Soy Sauce – You need this for its salty, umami flavor. You can use reduced sodium or Tamari if you’d like.
Rice Vinegar – It adds a bright, tangy burst of flavor that compliments the orange juice well. You can find this in the Asian Foods section of most major grocery stores.
Brown Sugar – Not only does this sweeten the orange sauce, but it also adds a rich depth of flavor.
Corn Starch – This helps to thicken the sauce.
Fresh Ginger – Look for ginger root in the produce section. If you can’t find fresh ginger, you can use 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger or jarred ginger works here too.
Minced Garlic – This imparts a delicious savory flavor to the sauce.
Red Chili Flakes – Use more or less to make it as spicy as you like it.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions – Use these to garnish the finished dish and add some extra flavor and crunch. You can toast the sesame seeds if desired also.
How to Make Orange Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and cornstarch. Set aside.
In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture so that they are completely covered. Set aside.
Preheat a large cast iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat for a minute or two in the hot pan. Then, add the dredged chicken pieces. Fry over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until all sides of the chicken pieces are crispy and golden (about 5 minutes).
Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
When the chicken is ready, add the sauce to the pan. Simmer until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Recipe Pro Tips!
Pro Tip:
The chicken is easier to cut if it’s partially frozen. Put it in the freezer for 30 minutes before you cut it.
This recipe, because it doesn’t have a crunchy deep-fried batter (way healthier), should be made and eaten right away.
How Hot is Orange Chicken Normally?
Normally, Orange Chicken has some heat but is not as hot as General Tso Chicken, which is the major difference between the two, but also General Tso doesn’t use orange juice.
The beauty of making your own is that you can have it as spicy as you like.
Is this recipe for Orange Chicken Gluten Free?
Because of the use of soy sauce, this recipe is not gluten-free, but that is easily changed with using Tamarind as this is a gluten-free product.
WANT MORE GREAT ASIAN DINNER IDEAS?
We love cooking up an Asian meal on a fairly regular basis as opposed to ordering in. They can be fast and easy and so much healthier for you, too.
Easy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins cut in cubes
- 1/3 cup corn starch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- green onions and sesame seeds for serving
Instructions
- First, prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a small, shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the cubed chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture and coat each piece completely.
- Preheat a large cast iron skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the vegetable oil and let rest for 30 seconds.
- Add the dredged chicken pieces to the pan (depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to work in batches). Fry the chicken pieces, stirring them often, until all sides are crispy and golden (about 5 minutes).
- Add the sauce to the skillet and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until the sauce is thick.
- Serve over rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Comments & Reviews
Lindsay says
This came together fast and was so flavourful! I’ll be making this one again – everyone loved it 🙂
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much for helping me out. I so appreciate it!!