Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy and sweet orange sauce. This popular Asian-inspired meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its crunchy texture and rich citrusy glaze, it’s sure to be a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge in cornstarch and flour mixture to create a crispy coating.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 800mg

Enjoy your crispy, tangy, and sweet Orange Chicken! 🍊🍗

The Origins of Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is often associated with Chinese-American cuisine rather than traditional Chinese cooking. While it takes inspiration from classic Chinese sweet and sour dishes, this particular recipe became popular in the United States thanks to Chinese-American restaurants. It is believed to have been popularized by fast-casual chains, most notably Panda Express, which introduced their famous version in the 1980s. The dish is rooted in Hunan and Sichuan cooking styles, where sweet and tangy flavors are often combined with crispy fried meat. However, the American adaptation emphasizes a thicker, sweeter sauce and a crunchier coating.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Crispy Orange Chicken is not just another fried chicken dish—it’s an explosion of flavors that combines sweetness, tanginess, and umami in every bite. Here are a few reasons why you should try this recipe:

Perfectly Crispy Coating: The combination of cornstarch and flour creates an extra-crispy shell that stays crunchy even when coated in the sauce.
Homemade Goodness: Making it from scratch ensures that you control the ingredients, avoiding excessive preservatives or additives found in takeout versions.
Customizable Heat Level: While some prefer a mild orange chicken, others love a spicy kick. Adjusting the red pepper flakes or adding chili paste allows you to tailor the heat to your liking.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even a side of fresh greens for a complete meal.

Variations of Orange Chicken

One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. Depending on dietary preferences or available ingredients, you can modify the recipe in several ways:

Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of deep-frying, bake the chicken pieces in an oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy. This reduces oil consumption while still delivering a crunchy bite.
Air-Fried Orange Chicken: For a healthier version, use an air fryer. Coat the chicken lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour for a celiac-friendly dish.
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based twist while maintaining the delicious orange sauce.

Tips for the Best Crispy Orange Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality orange chicken, keep these expert tips in mind:

Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: After dipping the chicken in egg, coat it in cornstarch and flour twice to get a crispier texture.
Proper Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at around 350°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without becoming greasy.
Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the temperature stable and ensure even cooking.
Thicken the Sauce Gradually: Stir the cornstarch slurry slowly into the simmering sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

Pairing Suggestions

While Crispy Orange Chicken is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary sides elevates the meal experience. Here are some popular choices:

Steamed White or Jasmine Rice: The neutral flavor of rice balances the bold orange sauce, making each bite more enjoyable.
Fried Rice: If you want something more flavorful, serve the chicken with classic fried rice made with eggs, green onions, and soy sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the dish.
Lo Mein or Chow Mein: These noodle dishes provide a great alternative to rice and enhance the meal’s heartiness.

Conclusion

Crispy Orange Chicken is a dish that brings joy to the table with its crispy, flavorful bites and rich citrus glaze. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just satisfying a personal craving, this dish never disappoints. By following the tips and variations mentioned, you can customize it to your liking while maintaining its signature flavors. So, why order takeout when you can create a homemade version that’s even better? Try this recipe today and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade Crispy Orange Chicken!

0 Shares