Description
This Chinese Orange Chicken is crispy, sweet, and tangy, coated in a delicious orange-infused sauce. With its perfect balance of flavors and satisfying crunch, this homemade version rivals any takeout favorite. Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Zest of one orange
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Additional orange zest
Instructions
1. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red chili flakes.
- Heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce.
- Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in orange zest. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- In another dish, whisk the eggs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
- Place the fried chicken in a large bowl.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce over it and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and additional orange zest.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding a bit more vinegar.
- To make it spicier, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American