Description
A crispy, juicy homemade Orange Chicken coated in a bright, tangy, sweet-savory orange sauce that tastes better than takeout and comes together quickly in a skillet.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
1 1/4 cups fresh orange juice
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Chicken:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, whisked
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2–4 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Optional Garnish:
Orange zest
Sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until fully combined. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres. Place coated pieces on a plate.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165ºF). Add more oil as needed.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- With the skillet still on medium-high heat, pour in the prepared sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with orange zest and sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
Add chili flakes for a spicier version.
Stir fresh orange zest into the sauce for extra citrus brightness.
Bake the chicken instead of pan-frying for a lighter alternative.
Add a splash of soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg