Description
Bold, crispy, and coated in a sweet-spicy citrus glaze, this Crispy Orange Chicken is the ultimate homemade takeout-style meal. Perfect for dinner ideas that are both fun and flavorful, this easy recipe delivers crunchy fried chicken tossed in a zesty orange sauce made from scratch. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, looking for new food ideas, or need a healthy snack alternative (just air-fry it!), this dish is versatile and crowd-pleasing. It’s a must-have for your collection of easy dinner recipes and quick meal prep plans.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil for deep frying
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
Red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge in cornstarch, dip into beaten eggs, and dredge again in cornstarch for a double coating.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
3. In a saucepan, mix orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Toss fried chicken with the hot orange sauce until fully coated.
6. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and optional toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
For a healthier twist, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
Always toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving to preserve the crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg