If you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy and bursting with bright citrus flavor, look no further than this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken coated in a crisp batter, drenched in a tangy-sweet orange sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Perfection: The double coating of flour and cornstarch ensures every bite is satisfyingly crispy.
- Zesty Flavor Explosion: Fresh orange juice combined with garlic and ginger creates a bright, tangy sauce with depth.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner everyone will adore.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect served with rice, veggies, or even as a flavorful salad topping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe calls for simple kitchen staples that combine to create big flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crisping power of cornstarch to the lively citrus notes of fresh orange juice that bring the dish to life.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they make for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: A perfect combo to create that signature crispy coating.
- Baking powder: Adds lightness to the batter, ensuring chicken stays airy and crunchy.
- Fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed for authentic bright citrus flavor that canned juice can’t match.
- Soy sauce and rice vinegar: Provides the perfect umami and acidity balance to the sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that give the sauce a punch of warmth and zest.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to counterbalance the tangy orange.
- Sesame oil (optional): A little drizzle for that nutty, toasty aroma.
Variations
The great thing about this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is! Whether you’re craving a spicier twist or accommodating dietary preferences, there’s a variation here to inspire your creativity in the kitchen.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add red chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick that wakes up the palate.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour and coconut flour instead of regular flour, and swap sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener to keep carbs low.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets in place of chicken for a plant-based delight soaking up the luscious orange sauce.
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Chicken
Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the cold water until a smooth, thick batter forms. This batter is key to that addicting crunch! Coat each chicken breast piece thoroughly to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the battered chicken in batches into the hot oil, frying for 5 to 6 minutes until stunningly golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels—this keeps the chicken light and free of excess oil.
Step 3: Whip Up the Vibrant Orange Sauce
In another pan, gently heat sesame oil if using, then sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant. Pour in the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar, stirring well to combine. Bring this flavorful concoction to a simmer before adding your cornstarch-water slurry to thicken that luscious sauce to glossy perfection.
Step 4: Combine and Coat the Chicken
Once the sauce thickens, toss your crispy fried chicken pieces gently into the pan, making sure every morsel is luxuriously coated in that vibrant orange glaze. This final step is where magic happens—crispy meets saucy in the most delightful way.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve your Crispy Orange Chicken over fluffy steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal that impresses every time. Don’t forget to brush on extra sauce from the pan—it’s where all the flavor pools!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Use Cold Water for Batter: Cold water keeps the batter light and enables a better crunch after frying.
- Fry in Batches: Crowding the pan lowers oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken—fry a few pieces at a time for perfect crispiness.
- Fresh Orange Juice is Key: Freshly squeezed oranges give the sauce a natural brightness you just can’t get from concentrate.
- Don’t Over-thicken the Sauce: A sauce too thick can weigh down the crispiness; simmer just until it coats the back of a spoon.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro add freshness, while a wedge of lime on the side lets everyone add a tangy twist to their liking.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice for a classic combo. For a veggie boost, simple stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or roasted broccoli work beautifully to balance the rich flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of crispy noodles or shredded lettuce for extra crunch. You could even turn it into a vibrant salad topped with orange slices, crunchy almonds, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a refreshing take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce combined to soak up those flavors, but for optimal crispiness, you may want to save some fried chicken separately and combine before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked crispy orange chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken separate from the sauce, then combine after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to revive its crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or microwave, then toss together just before serving to keep that beautiful crunch and citrus punch.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same battering and frying steps. The cooking time might be a minute or two longer due to the extra fat content.
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How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
To keep maximum crispiness, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving, so it doesn’t sit and get soggy. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you want each piece to stay crunchy until the last bite.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free, and your dish will be just as delicious.
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Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar amount in the sauce or balance it with a bit more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add more tang and cut down the sweetness to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is a keeper for anyone who loves bold flavors and crunchy textures. Give it a try—you’ll have a dazzling dish ready to impress family and friends, and once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites too!
PrintCrispy Orange Chicken Recipe
This Crispy Orange Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and savory orange sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this dish brings vibrant flavors to your table. It’s an excellent homemade alternative to takeout, with simple ingredients and straightforward frying and stovetop cooking methods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Batter: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the cold water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Coat the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated with the batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), fry the battered chicken pieces in batches, cooking for approximately 5 to 6 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil (if using) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Gently toss the fried chicken pieces in the thickened orange sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the crispy orange chicken hot over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice rather than bottled for the best flavor.
- Maintain the oil temperature to ensure crispy chicken without greasiness.
- Adjust sugar in the sauce to taste based on sweetness preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check soy sauce labels.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer extra saucy chicken.
