Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 6 whole boneless chicken thighs (or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins), diced into ½ inch pieces; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp. corn starch; 1 tsp. black pepper (fresh ground, or less to taste); 1 tsp. onion powder; ½ tsp. ginger powder; ½ tsp. salt; 1 tsp. paprika (for color); Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying, about 2-3 cups); ¾ cup fresh orange juice; 1½ tbsp. corn starch; 2 tbsps. vegetable oil; 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce; 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 2 tbsps. brown sugar; ½ tbsp. grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; ½ tsp. black pepper (fresh ground); 1 tsp. orange zest; Chili flakes (optional, to add heat)

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the moment you start frying those golden cubes of chicken, the irresistible scent of sizzling spices fills your kitchen, promising a dinner that feels both comforting and exciting. As the tangy, sweet aroma of fresh orange juice mingles with fragrant ginger and garlic, your mouth waters in anticipation. This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is your secret weapon for a quick, impressive meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, yet comes together in just 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a cherished favorite in your culinary rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all evening in the kitchen.
Uses simple ingredients: You probably have most of these staples in your pantry, so no complicated shopping trips needed.
Perfect for beginners: Clear steps and straightforward techniques make cooking this dish stress-free and fun.
Impressive presentation: Vibrant orange glaze and perfectly crisp chicken will wow anyone you serve it to.
Customizable: Whether you love it spicy or mild, this recipe lets you adjust flavors to your liking.

Why This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe Works

The magic behind this recipe lies in a few key elements that bring everything together beautifully. First, coating the chicken with a precise blend of flour, corn starch, and spices ensures a crispy, flavorful crust that holds up perfectly when dunked in the luscious orange sauce. Second, simmering the fresh orange juice with soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic creates a glossy, sticky glaze that is both tangy and sweet, wrapping every bite in a burst of flavor. Lastly, frying the chicken quickly at the right temperature seals in juiciness so you get tender, irresistible chicken with every mouthful.

Large white bowl filled with a generous portion of crispy General Tso's chicken glazed in a thick, glossy, dark reddish-brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, served atop a fluffy bed of steaming white jasmine rice, presented as a whole serving photographed from a top-down view on a white marble countertop with natural lighting, professional food styling photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that pack a powerful flavor punch. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, ideal for frying and absorbing flavors.
All purpose flour and corn starch: Create a crispy, golden coating on the chicken.
Black pepper, onion powder, ginger powder, paprika, and salt: Seasonings that bring warmth and depth.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying to crisp up the chicken perfectly.
Fresh orange juice and zest: Provide vibrant citrus brightness and a punch of natural sweetness.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar: Add umami and balanced acidity to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
Fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh aromatics that add zing and warmth.
Chili flakes (optional): Kick up the heat if you like a little spice.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Chicken thighs: You can swap for chicken tenderloins or breasts, but thighs stay juicier.
All purpose flour and corn starch: For a gluten-free option, try rice flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
Rice vinegar: Substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slight twist.
Fresh orange juice: Bottled orange juice works in a pinch, but fresh really brightens the flavor.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use fresh orange juice: It makes a huge difference in the sauce’s brightness and authenticity.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches for even browning and a crispier crust.
Maintain medium-high heat: This ensures the chicken cooks quickly without becoming greasy.
Simmer the sauce gently: Low heat thickens it slowly, preventing burning and enhancing flavor.
Rest fried chicken briefly: Letting it rest a minute before sauce coating improves texture and moisture retention.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by dicing your chicken thighs into ½ inch cubes. Toss them in a bowl with the flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder. The coating should lightly but fully cover each piece to guarantee crispy, flavorful bites.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix the coating ingredients thoroughly before adding chicken to avoid clumps and ensure an even crust.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, about 2 to 3 minutes each, until the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown. Be sure not to overcook so they remain juicy inside and delightfully crisp outside.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Orange Sauce

While the chicken fries, mix fresh orange juice, additional corn starch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, orange zest, and optional chili flakes in a bowl. This vibrant mixture will transform into a thick, sticky glaze that makes the dish sing.

💡 Pro Tip: Whisk the sauce ingredients well to prevent lumps and ensure smooth cooking.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce to Thicken

Pour the sauce into a hot non-stick skillet over low heat. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a shiny, luscious glaze. This slow simmer deepens the flavors and achieves the perfect consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat generously, then cook together for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up that irresistible orange flavor. Remove from heat and get ready to savor!

💡 Pro Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking the crispy coating while ensuring every piece is well coated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Overcrowding the pan: This causes the chicken to steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy texture.
Not drying the chicken: Excess moisture prevents the coating from crisping properly.
Using cold sauce ingredients: This can cause clumping or uneven thickening when cooking.
Overcooking the chicken: Leads to dryness and chewiness instead of tender juiciness.
Skipping the resting step: Resting after frying retains moisture and improves texture.
Cooking sauce on too high heat: Can burn sugar and create a bitter taste.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version:

Spicy Orange Chicken

Add extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a bold kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

Incorporate crunchy veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.

Gluten-Free Orange Chicken

Swap all purpose flour with rice flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a delicious gluten-free option.

Orange Chicken Skewers

Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, grill instead of frying, and brush with the sauce for a fun finger food.

Crispy Orange Chicken Sandwich

Serve the crispy chicken on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce and a slather of the orange glaze for a tantalizing twist.

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Single white bowl serving of crispy cauliflower florets coated in sticky, glossy orange sauce, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions, paired with a mound of fluffy white rice, close-up angle emphasizing the texture of the cauliflower batter and the saucy coating, steam gently rising from the warm dish, set on a white marble surface, styled as a cozy plated serving, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top to add nutty crunch and fresh color that brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside homemade Lo Mein noodles, steamed jasmine rice, or crisp stir-fried vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzle extra sauce artistically on the plate, or serve family-style in a large bowl for sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.

Freezing

Freeze fried chicken pieces separately on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the sauce in a separate container. Thaw and reheat both when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to regain crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove and combine just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can work, but thighs stay juicier and more tender, making them the preferred choice for this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. You can add chili flakes or sriracha to give it as much heat as you like.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with fried chicken.

What is the best oil to fry the chicken?

Vegetable oil or canola oil with a high smoke point works best for a crispy, non-greasy finish.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

You can bake for a healthier version, but the texture will be less crispy. Panko breadcrumbs can help add crunch if baking.

How thick should I cut the chicken pieces?

About ½ inch cubes work perfectly for even cooking and crispy coating.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes, just make sure to fry the chicken in batches to maintain crispiness and avoid overcrowding.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

Tamarind sauce or coconut aminos can be good soy sauce substitutes for different flavor or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe has all the heart and soul of your favorite takeout, but with the warmth and love that comes from making it yourself. From the crackling fry of golden chicken to the sticky, citrusy glaze that coats every bite, it’s a dish that feels like a celebration every time. The best part? It’s doable any day you crave something amazing without the fuss.

Have you tried this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍊