If you have a craving for something crispy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a delightful dish where tender, juicy chicken thighs are coated in a perfectly seasoned crust and then enveloped in a luscious, sweet-and-slightly-spicy orange sauce loaded with fresh zest and vibrant aromas. This recipe brings restaurant-quality magic right into your kitchen, and the best part is, it’s surprisingly approachable for anyone ready to impress with a classic takeout favorite made from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe are simple, pantry-friendly, and come together to create a harmony of textures and flavors. Each one plays a crucial part, whether it’s in the crispy golden coating, the punchy sauce, or the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat.
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, providing the perfect base for this dish.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a crispy, crunchy exterior once fried.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory depth that complements the orange flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers warmth and a little zing that’s essential in orange chicken.
- 1 large egg: Helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken for that perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup water: Combined with the egg for a smooth, even coating.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Used for frying to achieve that crisp golden finish.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: The star ingredient giving the sauce its bright citrus flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds savoriness and umami notes.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Brings a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey: Natural sweetness that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a molasses undertone.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect glaze consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick of heat to keep things exciting.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor for an authentic touch.
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest: Fresh zest packs a punch of citrus aroma and intensifies flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions: A fresh garnish that adds color and subtle sharpness.
How to Make Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring every piece will cook evenly and be easy to enjoy. This initial step sets the stage for the perfect texture and bite you want in every mouthful.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. This blend of spices and flour creates the flavorful, crispy crust that is the hallmark of this dish, giving each chicken piece a delightful crunch and depth.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and water in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture acts as a glue, helping the flour coating stick firmly to the chicken for that perfectly crisp finish after frying.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken fully into the egg wash, then roll it in the flour mixture, pressing gently. This double step ensures your chicken gets that crispy golden crust everyone loves, locking in moisture for juicy inside bites.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat and fry the coated chicken pieces in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This mixture brings together sweet, tangy, and savory elements that make this recipe truly irresistible.
Step 7: Add Final Flavor Touches
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in red pepper flakes and sesame oil for heat and nutty aroma, then add the grated orange zest for a fresh citrus burst. These final ingredients elevate the flavor, giving the dish its signature vibrant kick.
Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the fried chicken pieces to the skillet and pour the sauce over them. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chicken to soak in those amazing flavors, making every bite a delicious experience.
How to Serve Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions sprinkled on top not only add a pop of fresh green color but also a mild, oniony sharpness that balances the sweetness and richness of the sauce. Don’t skip this final touch for an authentic look and taste!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white rice, which helps absorb the luscious sauce, or fried rice for a heartier meal. Steamed broccoli or snap peas add a wonderful crunch and a healthy dose of green, complementing the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the orange chicken over crispy noodles or in lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top to add texture and a nutty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the dish cools, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This is great for quick lunches or dinners when you want that homemade orange chicken fix without the fuss of cooking from scratch.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then combine and reheat for a convenient meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken while warming the sauce evenly. A quick microwave reheat works too but may soften the crust, so stovetop is preferred for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, but be careful not to overcook it as it’s leaner and can dry out faster than thighs. Adjust frying time to keep it juicy.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe includes a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, making it milder or spicier.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before tossing with fried chicken.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is great due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can also use canola or peanut oil for frying this orange chicken.
How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, and double coat the chicken pieces firmly with the flour mixture. Also, drain on paper towels right after frying.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the excitement of your favorite takeout into your own kitchen with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch. It’s approachable, vibrant, and truly satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a regular on your dinner rotation—you might even find it hard to share!
Print
Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Homemade Orange Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful orange-infused sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a hint of spice, making it an irresistible dish for any dinner table.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add vegetable oil to coat the bottom. This will be used to fry the chicken pieces.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set them aside for coating.
- Make Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger to create the dry coating mix.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk it together with water until smooth to form the wet coating mix.
- Coat Chicken Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated and then roll it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick coating around each piece.
- Fry Chicken: Once all the chicken pieces are coated, carefully add them to the heated skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Drain Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir mixture over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes and sesame oil, then cook for an additional minute. Add grated orange zest and stir well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, pouring the thickened sauce over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer: Cook the coated chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors well.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for a delicious homemade orange chicken experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the chicken by dipping in the egg mixture and flour twice before frying.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Ensure the oil is hot before frying to prevent the chicken from getting greasy.
