Print

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.9 from 72 reviews

This Crispy Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a crunchy, flavorful batter and tossed in a tangy, sweet orange sauce. Perfectly balanced with zesty orange juice, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (use for juiciest texture)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (light coating for crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup Cornflour (Cornstarch) (adds extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (essential for flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust as per taste)

For Frying

  • Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

For the Orange Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice (key for zesty flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (opt for low-sodium if desired)
  • 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed)
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh is best for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste (freshly grated can be an alternative)

For Garnishing

  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (for color and flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional for nutty flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mix. Take each chicken thigh piece and evenly coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring a good layer for crispiness once fried.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches frying temperature. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Place the pan over medium heat and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
  4. Combine and Serve: Add the crispy fried chicken into the saucepan with the thickened orange sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly in the sauce. Serve the coated chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For an even crunchier texture, consider double frying the chicken by frying once until cooked, resting, then frying again briefly to crisp up.
  • Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness of the chicken instead of microwaving.
  • Using chicken thighs ensures juicier and more flavorful meat compared to breast meat.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.

Keywords: Crispy orange chicken, fried chicken, orange sauce chicken, Chinese-American recipes, crispy chicken thighs

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/crispy-orange-chicken-recipe/