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Better Than Takeout Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Close-up of crispy, saucy orange chicken recipe pieces garnished with sesame seeds and bright orange zest.
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Make this sticky, sweet, and tangy orange chicken at home! This recipe delivers the perfect crispy texture you crave, making it a family-friendly weeknight dinner that beats any takeout order.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for 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
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Orange zest from 1 orange, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Remove chicken and place on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
  3. Make the sweet and tangy orange glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the warm orange sauce until fully coated. You want a sticky orange chicken finish.
  6. Serve immediately over steamed white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh orange zest and sesame seeds for that restaurant look. This is a quick asian dinner idea ready in under 30 minutes!

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the chicken: fry once until light golden, rest for 5 minutes, then fry again until deep golden brown.
  • If you prefer a baked orange chicken recipe, toss the coated chicken with a light spray of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, before tossing with the sauce.
  • This recipe is a great base for a family friendly chicken dinner; reduce the red pepper flakes for younger eaters.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/orange-chicken-recipe-crispy-sticky-takeout/