You can make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe at home in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken bites fried to golden perfection and coated in a bright homemade orange sauce—family-approved, picky-eater friendly, and better than takeout.
Why We Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe:
Skip the takeout tonight and make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe right in your own kitchen! It’s designed with busy families and picky eaters in mind—quick to cook, full of flavor, and adaptable to your family’s taste.
This Easy Orange Chicken is:
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Healthier than takeout
- Adjustable spice level (mild for kids, spicier for adults)
- Budget-friendly and customizable
What I love most is how the chicken stays incredibly crispy even after being tossed in the sauce. And the orange sauce? It’s bright and sweet without being cloying, made with real orange juice instead of artificial flavors. My kids can actually taste the difference, and so can I! Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, this homemade orange chicken is a weeknight dinner that beats anything from a box.
Tips for the Best Crispy Orange Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry first to help the coating stick and stay crispy.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and prevent soggy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp—350°F is the sweet spot for crispiness.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best fresh and hot for maximum crunch.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Healthier version: Skip frying and bake or air-fry the chicken at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Less sweet: Reduce honey to 2 tablespoons or replace with a splash of orange marmalade for a tangier sauce.
- Spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Protein swap: This recipe works just as well with chicken breast, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
More Asian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner Recipes:
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Make this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe at home in just 30 minutes! Crispy, kid-friendly bites tossed in a tangy-sweet orange sauce—perfect for busy weeknights or picky eaters.
Servings: 4
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice about 2 medium oranges
- 1 large egg
- zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- sliced green onions and sesame seeds optional, for garnish
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Prepare Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Whisk the egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
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Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat evenly with the cornstarch-flour mixture. Let rest for 10 minutes for better adhesion.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350 degrees. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked inside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Make the Orange Sauce: While frying, combine the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
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Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly whisk it into the sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from the heat.
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Toss and Serve: Gently toss the fried chicken into the orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds over steamed rice or your family’s favorite grain.
