## A Simple and Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe That Rivals Takeout
Craving the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout? This easy Orange Chicken recipe might just become your new go-to. Not only does it offer the taste sensation of restaurant-style orange chicken, but it also doesn’t involve deep frying. It’s a quick and simple way to enjoy this classic dish at home!
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When I first shared this recipe back in 2017, it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. The chicken pieces are tender and juicy, coated lightly for the perfect texture. The sauce bursts with a delightful blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice, all finished with a fresh citrusy kick. It’s so good and comes together effortlessly.
### What Makes This Recipe Special?
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike many other orange chicken recipes, there’s no need for deep frying. Instead, a quick pan-fry method is used, much like my popular sesame chicken recipe. The chicken is lightly battered in cornstarch and egg, then fried in a small amount of oil until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown crust. This technique helps the sauce cling to the chicken, making each bite flavorful and satisfying without the mess and calories of deep frying.
### A Fresh Take on Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, characterized by crispy fried chicken coated in a flavorful orange chili glaze. The sauce perfectly balances sweet, tangy, salty, and savory notes, creating a harmonious taste experience. My version of this dish stays true to these authentic flavors while being manageable for home cooks.
Moreover, all our recipes are thoroughly tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they’re not only easy and delicious but also budget-friendly. This recipe, like all of our dishes, promises to deliver delightful flavors with minimal fuss.
### A Fan Favorite
Don’t just take my word for it; here’s what some of our readers have to say:
> “This is the best orange chicken I’ve ever eaten! I love how natural it tastes, unlike the overly sweet and artificial versions you find at some restaurants. It’s fresh and delicious!”
— Tom
### Conclusion
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who cherishes the iconic flavors of takeout but prefers cooking at home with quality ingredients. With its vibrant flavors and simple cooking method, this dish will surely become a staple in your meal rotation. So, treat yourself to a homemade version of a beloved classic—you won’t be disappointed!# Simple and Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe
## Introduction
Craving the taste of your favorite Chinese take-out without leaving the comfort of your home? This easy-to-make Orange Chicken recipe is the perfect solution. With no deep frying involved, it offers the same delightful tangy, sweet, and salty flavors you expect from a classic take-out meal.
## Ingredients
### Orange Sauce
– **1 large orange** ($0.70)
– **3 tablespoons soy sauce** ($0.15)
– **1.5 tablespoons brown sugar** ($0.05)
– **1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar** ($0.06)
– **1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger** ($0.10)
– **1 clove garlic, minced** ($0.04)
– **1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper** ($0.02)
– **1/2 tablespoon cornstarch** ($0.03)
### Stir-Fried Chicken
– **4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs** (around 1.3 lbs) ($4.64)
– **1 large egg** ($0.67)
## Directions
1. **Prepare the Orange Sauce:**
– Juice the orange and combine it with the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Beat the egg in a separate bowl and add the chicken pieces, stirring to coat evenly.
– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook until they are golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked.
3. **Combine the Sauce and Chicken:**
– Lower the heat and pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken pieces.
4. **Serve:**
– Serve the orange chicken hot, preferably over cooked rice, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at your table.
## Tips
– For a thicker sauce, feel free to adjust the cornstarch quantity to your preference.
– Add more crushed red pepper if you enjoy a spicier dish.
This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy Orange Chicken at home, reminiscent of your favorite Chinese restaurant meal without the need for deep frying.### Ingredients for Flavorful Orange Chicken
– **2 Tbsp Cornstarch** ($0.12)
– **A Pinch of Salt and Pepper** ($0.05)
– **2 Tbsp Cooking Oil** ($0.08)
– **4 Cups Cooked Rice** ($0.97)
– **2 Green Onions, Sliced** ($0.20)
### Instructions to Prepare Orange Chicken
1. **Prepare the Orange Mixture**: Begin by zesting the orange with a zester or a small-holed cheese grater. Then, squeeze out the juice. You will need around 1 teaspoon of zest and half a cup of juice. In a small bowl, mix the juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and half a tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
2. **Prep the Chicken**: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and then cut into small, 3/4-inch pieces.
3. **Coat the Chicken**: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and frothy, then add the chicken pieces, stirring to ensure they are completely coated.
4. **Cook the Chicken**: Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, swirling to coat the pan. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they all touch the surface. Allow them to cook until golden brown underneath.
5. **Turn the Chicken**: Flip the chicken pieces, separating them as necessary. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, approximately 5–7 minutes total. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
6. **Thicken the Sauce**: Pour the previously prepared orange sauce into the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. Stir the sauce as it begins to simmer, thicken, and turn glossy. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
7. **Combine Chicken and Sauce**: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Heat through for another minute.
8. **Serve**: Serve this delicious chicken with cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and any leftover orange zest.
### Recipe Notes
– **Rice Vinegar**: It delivers a subtle tang without being overwhelming. Look for it in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
– **Chicken Selection**: Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and tenderness, but you can use chicken breast. Be careful not to overcook it to prevent dryness.
– **Cooking Oil**: Opt for neutral oils like canola, peanut, vegetable, or light olive oil which can withstand higher temperatures.
### Nutritional Information
– **Serving Size**: 1 Serving
– **Calories**: 531 kcal
– **Carbohydrates**: 61 g
– **Protein**: 36 g
For further details on calculating recipe costs, visit [Budget Bytes](https://www.budgetbytes.com/how-to-calculate-recipe-costs/).## Nutritional Information
– **Fat:** 15g
– **Sodium:** 919mg
– **Fiber:** 2g
For more details, please read our **[full nutrition disclaimer](https://www.budgetbytes.com/nutrition-information-disclaimer/)**.
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## How to Prepare Orange Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
### Ingredients Preparation
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
### Make the Orange Sauce
To get started on your orange sauce, zest one large orange and extract as much juice as possible. Your goal is to have approximately 1 teaspoon of zest and 1/2 cup of juice.
Here’s what you’ll need to mix in a small pot:
– Orange juice and zest
– 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 1/2 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
– 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch
Whisk all these ingredients together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside for later use.
### Prepare the Chicken
Trim any extra fat from four boneless, skinless chicken thighs and dice them into 3/4-inch pieces. You should have around 1.33 pounds of chicken.
### Create the Cornstarch Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
– A pinch of salt and pepper
Continue whisking until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Initially, it may seem dry, but the cornstarch will eventually integrate with the egg’s moisture.
### Coat the Chicken
Add the diced chicken pieces to the cornstarch mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
### Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, swirling to cover the bottom. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Allow them to cook until they are golden brown on the bottom, then start turning them to cook evenly on all sides. Continue this process until the chicken is fully cooked and enjoy your homemade orange chicken!
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With this guide, each step is laid out to ensure your cooking experience is as simple and enjoyable as possible. Enjoy your delicious homemade orange chicken!## Perfectly Cooked Orange Chicken: A Simple Guide
Cooking orange chicken at home can be a delightful experience if done properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
### Cooking the Chicken
1. **Initial Fry:** Begin by placing the battered chicken pieces in a hot skillet. Ensure there’s enough space between the pieces, so they don’t stick together as you flip them. Remember, the key here is patience—avoid stirring too much to prevent the batter from falling off.
2. **Second Side Cook:** Cook the chicken on the second side until it appears golden and is cooked through. The entire cooking process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
### Simmering the Sauce
1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In the same skillet, add the prepared orange sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir the sauce, allowing it to come to a simmer. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken and develop a glossy appearance. Continue this process for 2-3 minutes.
### Coating the Chicken
1. **Combine with Sauce:** Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet containing the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken thoroughly, warming for an additional minute.
2. **Finishing Touch:** Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and any leftover orange zest to enhance the flavor. Serve with cooked rice and enjoy your delicious homemade orange chicken!
### Troubleshooting Tips for Common Issues
– **Skillet Temperature:** Ensure the skillet is sufficiently heated. If too cool, the egg batter may separate and result in scrambled eggs.
– **Avoid Over-Stirring:** Resist the urge to stir the chicken excessively. Allow it to achieve a golden-brown surface before turning.
– **Choosing the Right Skillet:** For beginners, using a non-stick skillet is advisable. If you opt for stainless steel, make sure it heats thoroughly before adding oil to prevent sticking.
### Serving Suggestions
Pair your homemade orange chicken with jasmine rice or try a flavorful alternative like [coconut rice](https://www.budgetbytes.com/coconut-rice-take-2/). For additional sides, consider a [sesame cucumber salad](https://www.budgetbytes.com/thai-cucumber-salad-2/), [sesame roasted green beans](https://www.budgetbytes.com/sesame-roasted-green-beans/), or [fresh kimchi spring rolls](https://www.budgetbytes.com/fresh-kimchi-spring-rolls/).
### Storing and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave until thoroughly heated. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Ensure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
*Revised and improved on March 21, 2025, our Easy Orange Chicken recipe continues to deliver an exceptional culinary experience.*
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