Go Back
Finished Orange Chicken Served with Rice

Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout)

Orange Chicken is one of those irresistible takeout favorites that combines crispy chicken, a glossy orange sauce, and the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. With this homemade version, we can recreate that restaurant-style experience in our own kitchen using simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Whisk the egg in a bowl.
  3. Combine cornstarch and flour in a separate bowl.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.
  5. Heat oil to approximately 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the chicken in batches for about 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  9. Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk the slurry into the sauce.
  10. Cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  11. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil if desired.
  12. Toss the freshly cooked chicken with the warm orange sauce.
  13. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  14. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.