How to Create Restaurant-Quality Crispy Orange Chicken at Home with Simple Ingredients

Discover the secret to making restaurant-quality crispy orange chicken at home with simple ingredients. Easy, flavorful, and sure to impress!

Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and has a satisfying crunch? Look no further! The classic Orange Chicken is a delicious favorite that packs a punch of sweet and tangy goodness. It's not just a beloved takeout option—this dish can be made right in your kitchen with common ingredients. In this post, you'll discover how to whip up restaurant-quality crispy orange chicken that will wow your family and friends while being both budget-friendly and simple to prepare.

A Brief Overview of Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken, originally part of Chinese cuisine, has become a staple in American dining. This dish features battered chicken tossed in a vibrant orange sauce that balances sweetness with a zesty kick. According to a survey by the National Restaurant Association, 60% of Americans enjoy Asian cuisine, with Orange Chicken consistently ranking as a favorite on menus across the country.

The highlights of Orange Chicken include its bright citrus flavor and the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken. By making your own version at home, you can enjoy this classic dish without breaking the bank—ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create your delicious homemade orange chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Oil for frying (vegetable oil or peanut oil works best)

  
  

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

  
  

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels; moisture can prevent crispiness.

In one bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. In another bowl, pour in the cornstarch for dredging.

Now dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with cornstarch. This double-dipping method creates a thicker batter, resulting in crunchier chicken.

Let the coated chicken rest for about 10 minutes. This time allows the coating to stick better when frying.

Crispy fried chicken pieces prepared for orange sauce

Frying the Chicken

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. A simple test to check if the oil is ready is to drop a small piece of chicken into it; if it bubbles vigorously, you’re set!

Carefully add small batches of chicken pieces to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy.

Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Making the Orange Sauce

While your chicken is frying, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger.

Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely, and then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

After frying the chicken, add it back to the skillet over low heat. Pour the warm orange sauce over the crispy chicken, tossing gently to coat. Every piece should be covered in that delicious, zesty glaze!

This cooking step allows the chicken to soak up some of the sauce's flavors.

Bowl of crispy orange chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions

Serving Your Orange Chicken

Your homemade orange chicken is ready to impress! Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Add some sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are often juicier and more flavorful than breasts, but both can work well.

   
   

2. Double Dipping for Maximum Crunch: The two-step coating with cornstarch creates the crunch you want. Always let the coated chicken rest.

   
   

3. Sauce Variations: Want some heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to your sauce for an exciting twist!

   
   

4. Meal Prep with Ease: This dish can be made in advance! Store chicken and sauce separately in the fridge and combine them when ready to eat.

   
   

5. Balance Out the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of your sauce to fit your taste. More sugar for sweetness? More soy sauce for umami? It’s in your hands.

   
   

Time to Savor Your Creation

Making crispy orange chicken at home is rewarding and fun. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you can serve up a flavorful dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy this delightful comfort food. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping—happy cooking!

Plate of orange chicken served with rice and mixed vegetables