Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

orange chicken

Recipe by
Beth Pierce
Old Monroe, MO

This easy and delectable orange chicken recipe combines lightly battered, crispy fried chicken pieces in a sweet, spicy, tangy orange sauce. It is topped with thin slices of green onion and crushed red pepper.

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For orange chicken

  • CHICKEN
  • 3
    egg whites, whisked
  • 3 Tbsp
    cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 lb
    boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • vegetable or canola oil, for frying
  • ORANGE SAUCE
  • 1 c
    plus 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/3 c
    brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp
    rice vinegar (see notes)
  • 1 Tbsp
    soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp
    freshly grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp
    chili paste like sambal oelek, more or less to taste
  • 1/4 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp
    cornstarch
  • 2
    green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp
    orange zest
  • 1 - 2 pinch
    red pepper flakes
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • orange slices, for garnish

How To Make orange chicken

  • 1
    To make the chicken, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Heat about an inch of oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken until cooked through, browned, and crispy on both sides. Work in batches, cooking the chicken in a single layer with space between the pieces. Remove to paper towels to drain.
  • 2
    To make the sauce, whisk together 1 cup orange juice with the brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, chili paste, and garlic powder in a saucepan or skillet. Heat over medium to a low boil and then reduce to a simmer. Whisk together the cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Whisk it into the skillet and continue simmering until the mixture thickens.
  • 3
    Add the fried chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss to coat. Heat for 1-2 minutes. Top with the green onions, orange zest, and crushed red pepper. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. For best results, serve promptly.
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