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orange chicken recipe

The Best Orange Chicken Recipe

Juicy, crispy chicken bites coated in a sweet, tangy, and savory orange sauce. A Chinese-American favorite you can easily make at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • oil for frying
Orange Sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice fresh or bottled
  • 2 tbsp orange marmalade or zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium if preferred
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar or honey for lighter option
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, mix chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Coating
  1. In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat chicken pieces evenly.
Fry the Chicken
  1. Heat oil in a wok/skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy.
  3. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Orange Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, marmalade, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Simmer.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Combine and Serve
  1. Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  3. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, bake or air fry instead of deep frying.
  • Reduce sugar or replace with honey for a lighter sauce.
  • Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge up to 1 week.
  • Best served immediately for maximum crispiness.