When you’re craving that sweet, tangy, and slightly crispy dish from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, nothing hits the spot quite like orange chicken. The good news? You don’t need to wait for delivery anymore. With this easy orange chicken recipe, you can make a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen using simple ingredients.
This recipe gives you tender bites of chicken coated in a crispy layer, tossed in a sticky orange sauce that’s equal parts savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving it over rice, pairing it with stir-fried veggies, or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make orange chicken from scratch, tips to get the perfect texture, substitutions if you want a lighter version, and serving ideas to make your meal complete.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Quick and simple – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly – Cheaper than ordering takeout.
- Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or crispiness to your liking.
- Family-approved – Both kids and adults love it.
If you’ve ever been a fan of Panda Express orange chicken, this homemade version will wow you with its freshness and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this easy orange chicken recipe. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, for juicier bites)
- 1 cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (for extra citrus flavor)
- ½ cup sugar (or honey for a natural option)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the perfect homemade orange chicken on the table in no time.
1. Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs. In another, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture until well coated.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch.
- Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
4. Combine and Toss
- Place the fried chicken in a large bowl or wok.
- Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is coated evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Tips for Success
- Double fry for extra crispiness – Fry the chicken twice (like Korean fried chicken) if you want an extra crunchy texture.
- Use thighs for juicier chicken – Breast meat works great, but thighs add more flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Balance the sauce – Taste before tossing. Add more sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or chili flakes for spice.
- Make it healthier – Instead of frying, bake or air-fry the chicken at 400°F until golden and cooked through.
Variations of This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Orange Chicken – Add sriracha or extra chili flakes to the sauce.
- Healthier Orange Chicken – Use air fryer or bake instead of deep-frying.
- Orange Tofu – Substitute chicken with crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and cornstarch instead of flour.
What to Serve with Orange Chicken
Orange chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Classic fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas
- Egg rolls or spring rolls on the side
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make orange chicken without frying?
Yes! You can bake or air fry the chicken for a healthier version. It won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
2. Can I use bottled orange juice?
Absolutely. Fresh juice gives a brighter flavor, but bottled orange juice works fine.
3. Is orange chicken the same as General Tso’s chicken?
Not exactly. Orange chicken is sweeter and citrusy, while General Tso’s is spicier with a deeper soy-garlic flavor.
4. How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce by simmering longer.
Final Thoughts
This easy orange chicken recipe brings all the flavors you love from takeout straight to your dinner table. It’s crispy, sweet, tangy, and perfectly satisfying—plus, you control the ingredients so it’s fresher and healthier.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special family meal, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Skip the delivery fees and long waits—your homemade orange chicken is just 30 minutes away. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become one of your go-to meals!