If you’re looking for a dish that balances crave-worthy sweet citrus flavors with crispy, tender chicken bites, look no further than Easy Orange Chicken. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a magical, takeout-inspired dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and totally irresistible. With golden chicken and that signature sticky orange sauce, it’s little wonder this is a weeknight favorite in my kitchen—and soon, it will be in yours too!

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Orange Chicken is that it comes together with simple staples you probably already have at home. Each ingredient works its magic to contribute a layer of flavor, crunch, or color, turning ordinary chicken into a stunning dinner centerpiece.

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Go with thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option—both yield delicious bite-sized pieces ready to soak up that orange sauce.
Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for ultra-crispy chicken that stands up to the sauce without getting soggy.
Vegetable Oil: Makes for golden, evenly cooked chicken with delightful texture.
Salt & Black Pepper: A simple but essential duo to season the chicken before browning.
Orange Juice (preferably fresh): The heart of that signature sweet-tart sauce—fresh juice really intensifies the flavor.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For salty, savory notes that balance the sweetness of the orange and sugar.
Sugar: Gives the sauce its characteristic sticky glaze and dessert-for-dinner charm.
Rice Vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a subtle tang, making every bite pop.
Minced Garlic & Fresh Ginger: These aromatic duo work behind the scenes to add zesty warmth and complexity.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick—feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
Water: Helps blend the cornstarch into a smooth slurry for a lump-free sauce.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Toss your chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, making sure every piece is evenly dusted. This light coating is what gives Easy Orange Chicken its signature crispy texture and helps the sauce cling to each bite.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat your vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat, then add the coated chicken in a single layer. Let them sizzle, turning every couple of minutes so all sides get beautifully golden. This should take 6 to 8 minutes—work in batches if your pan is small, because crowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping it up.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and the cornstarch-water slurry. This combination delivers that classic bright, tangy-sweet flavor with just the right amount of depth and shine.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once your chicken is done, set it aside and pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until the sauce thickens and gets glossy—about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it sticky enough to coat the back of a spoon!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it until each piece is luxuriously coated in the sauce. Give everything one last stir, and you’re ready to plate up the most irresistible Easy Orange Chicken ever.

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds right before serving makes a huge difference! Not only do these garnishes add a fresh and nutty crunch, but they also brighten up the look of your Easy Orange Chicken, making it absolutely dinner party worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is unbeatable over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, but don’t be afraid to branch out! Try it with stir-fried veggies, simple noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Each option soaks up the sauce in its own delicious way.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your plate extra special, serve your Easy Orange Chicken in little lettuce cups, alongside steamed broccoli, or even as a surprise party appetizer on toothpicks. These fun twists turn a classic into a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any leftover Easy Orange Chicken into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to three days. The flavors mingle overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of the chicken and sauce (together or separately) in freezer-safe bags or containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge for an easy lunch or dinner whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Easy Orange Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave on medium power also works well—just cover to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Absolutely! Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the brightest citrus flavor, but any pulp-free store-bought orange juice will work in a pinch for this Easy Orange Chicken. Just be sure to taste your sauce and adjust the sugar if needed since some juices are sweeter than others.

What’s the best way to make the chicken extra crispy?

The key is giving each piece space in the pan so they fry rather than steam. If needed, cook in batches and don’t be afraid to add a little extra oil between rounds. Using cornstarch as the coating is a classic restaurant tip for achieving maximum crunch.

Is there a good substitute for rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar in a pinch. Keep in mind these substitutes can be a bit sharper, so start with a splash and add more to taste.

Can I double the sauce for serving over noodles?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic idea! Just double all the sauce ingredients, whisk as directed, and pour over your Easy Orange Chicken plus a generous helping of rice or noodles for lots of silky, citrusy goodness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Sure thing! Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. The result is just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a comforting meal that tastes as good (or better!) than your favorite takeout but is a breeze to whip up at home, Easy Orange Chicken is your new go-to. Gather your ingredients, bring a little extra joy to your dinner table, and discover just how fun homemade takeout night can be!

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious homemade version of everyone’s favorite takeout dish with this Easy Orange Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and tossed in a flavorful orange sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Coat Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.
Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
Make Sauce: Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper, cornstarch, and water.
Cook Sauce: Pour sauce into skillet, cook until thickened. Add chicken, toss to coat.
Serve: Serve warm over rice or with vegetables.