Name: Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying); 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed is best); 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce; 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar; 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); Zest of 1 orange; Sliced green onions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 8 reviews

If there’s one dish that brings an irresistible mix of sweet, tangy, and savory right to your kitchen table, it’s this Orange Chicken Recipe. Bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken are coated in a golden crisp, then tossed through a luscious sauce bursting with the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest, the warmth of ginger, and a hint of garlic. This Orange Chicken Recipe is everything you crave from your favorite takeout, only fresher, faster, and with a deliciously homemade touch. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s the quickest ticket to a flavor-packed dinner everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Orange Chicken Recipe truly shine is the thoughtful combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients—each one lending its own unique flair to the final dish. You don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of essentials that work together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Go with thighs for richer flavor, or stick to breasts for a leaner bite—either way, juicy and tender pieces are what you’re after.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp): This is the secret to that irresistible crispy coating and also helps thicken your sauce to a glossy finish.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Helps get that golden crunch on your chicken without greasiness; any neutral oil works well here.
Orange juice (1/2 cup): Freshly squeezed is best for a zingy, vibrant sauce that tastes truly special.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds essential savory notes to balance the sweetness and bright citrus flavors.
Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Lends a little sharpness, cutting through the richness and bringing the sauce to life.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough to round out the acidity and give the sauce that signature sticky-sweet finish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a punchy depth—don’t skip it!
Fresh ginger (1 tbsp, grated): This brings gentle warmth and zing to the Orange Chicken Recipe.
Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): For thickening the sauce to that glorious, glossy texture.
Orange zest (zest of 1 orange): Adds a fragrant citrus note you can actually smell as you eat.
Sliced green onions (for garnish): Brings freshness, color, and a pop of mild onion flavor on top.
Sesame seeds (optional garnish): A sprinkle for crunch and a little nutty flair, if you like.

How to Make Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by adding your bite-sized pieces of chicken to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the cornstarch and give everything a good toss, ensuring every piece is evenly and generously coated. This simple step is key—it creates the signature crispy texture and golden crust that makes this Orange Chicken Recipe sing!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Set a large skillet or wok on the stove over medium-high heat and pour in enough vegetable oil to evenly coat the bottom. When the oil’s hot (you’ll see it shimmer), add the chicken pieces in batches, leaving space between so they crisp up nicely. Fry each batch for four to five minutes, flipping as needed until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil—this keeps everything light and delicious.

Step 3: Whip Up the Orange Sauce

While the cooked chicken rests, grab a small bowl and whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and fresh orange zest. Pour this beautiful, fragrant mixture into your skillet or wok (no need to clean it—those crispy bits are pure flavor!). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let the aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

When the sauce is bubbling, make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing one tablespoon cornstarch with two tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir this into the simmering sauce and keep stirring as it thickens in just two to three minutes, turning shiny and luscious. This is the texture that makes the Orange Chicken Recipe so irresistible over hot rice or noodles.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Once your sauce is nice and thick, return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss everything together so all the chicken is evenly coated and gleaming with sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two so the flavors really meld and the chicken soaks up that signature citrusy tang.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower your Orange Chicken Recipe with sliced green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Serve piping hot over fluffy steamed rice or slippery noodles. Prepare yourself for oohs and aahs—dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Scatter fresh, thinly sliced green onions over the top for color and crunch. For an extra touch of elegance, the gentle sprinkling of sesame seeds not only looks inviting but adds a subtle nutty pop. If you love a little heat, a few red chili flakes or a swirl of chili oil pairs beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

The Orange Chicken Recipe is a superstar on steamed jasmine or basmati rice, where every grain soaks up the extra sauce. You can also serve it over quick-cooked ramen or udon noodles for a cozy twist. On the side, crisp steamed broccoli, snow peas, or sautéed bok choy make bright, fresh partners that cut through the richness of the sticky, citrus glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For an exciting dinner party twist, pile the Orange Chicken into lettuce cups for make-your-own wraps. Try skewering the crispy pieces on bamboo sticks for a fun appetizer, or even tuck leftovers into bao buns for a fusion lunch. However you serve it, this recipe brings color and energy to every table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Orange Chicken Recipe are just as tasty the next day. Once cooled, transfer any remaining chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken a bit more in the fridge, but the flavors continue to deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch even more satisfying!

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare in advance, freeze the fully cooked chicken and sauce (cooled completely) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For the best texture, you can also freeze the crispy chicken pieces and sauce separately, then combine when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To revive the Orange Chicken Recipe, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce as it warms. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works as well—just cover loosely and stir halfway through. For best results, avoid reheating the chicken too long, so it stays juicy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to the Orange Chicken Recipe, and they’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Breasts work great too, especially if you prefer leaner meat—just cut them into even pieces for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Yes—just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten free. This quick swap keeps the Orange Chicken Recipe perfectly safe for gluten-free friends and family.

What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?

Bottled orange juice will work in a pinch—choose one with no added sugar for the most authentic taste. However, if you can grab fresh oranges, the flavor and aroma in the finished dish are truly exceptional!

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers, or stir in a teaspoon of sriracha. You can also top with thinly sliced fresh chilis when serving for a spicy kick that brightens the whole Orange Chicken Recipe.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking rack set over a sheet pan and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping once, or pop them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. You’ll get a lighter, still-crispy result with much less oil—just be sure to spray the pieces lightly with oil for the best golden color.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this cozy, vibrant Orange Chicken Recipe for yourself! Bringing restaurant flavor to your home kitchen is easier (and more fun) than you think. Gather your favorite people, grab a handful of fresh oranges, and treat yourself to a meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!