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The Ultimate 30-Minute Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Close-up of crispy pieces of orange chicken recipe coated in a glossy sauce and topped with sliced green onions.
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Make this better than takeout orange chicken recipe tonight! You get crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and glossy orange sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This is a family favorite that beats delivery.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (slurry)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • Optional: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dredge the chicken pieces first in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press lightly so the coating adheres.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.
  6. Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the sticky glaze.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Give yourself kudos for making this fantastic meal!

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken without deep frying, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, before tossing in the sauce.
  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/3 cup.
  • This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner when you need a satisfying meal fast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/orange-chicken-recipe-crispy-homemade/