why make this recipe
Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with crispy chicken. It’s simple to make and allows you to enjoy this popular restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
how to make Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for crispy coating)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works too)
- 1/4 cup honey (or agave syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
Directions:
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the coated chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Remove fried chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Pour the orange sauce into the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes until well-glazed.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately over steamed rice or vegetables.
how to serve Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
Serve this delicious dish hot, right after cooking. It’s best served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables. The crunchy chicken and tangy orange sauce pair perfectly and create a meal everyone will enjoy. You can also serve it with spring rolls or a simple salad for a complete dinner.
how to store Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
tips to make Irresistibly Delicious Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
- For extra crunch, allow the chicken to sit coated in cornstarch for about 15 minutes before frying.
- Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t crowd the skillet while frying; fry in batches for crispy results.
variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for added nutrition and color. Just toss them in the skillet after the chicken is cooked and before adding the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will give you a juicier result.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I make this dish in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and then fry and combine them when ready to eat.
Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss until well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the coated chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Remove fried chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Pour the orange sauce into the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the crispy chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for 1-2 minutes until well-glazed.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately over steamed rice or vegetables.