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Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken is a bright and crunchy dish that brings sweet, tangy flavor to your table, perfect for easy weeknight meals and family gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Choose fresh chicken with a pale pink color.
  • 1 cup cornstarch Plain cornstarch works best; potato starch is a fine substitute.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Use pure orange juice with no heavy pulp.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Use gluten-free tamari if necessary.
  • 1/4 cup honey Can be swapped for maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger Fresh ginger enhances the taste.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Adds balance to the sauce.
For Garnish
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced Adds color and crunch.
  • to taste sesame seeds Optional garnish for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
  2. Place the cut chicken in a wide bowl, add the cornstarch, and toss until each piece has an even dusting.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crunchy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
  2. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
  3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. For reheating, use a hot oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.