Go Back

Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken is a bright, sweet, and savory dish featuring crisp fried chicken coated in a glossy orange sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners and small parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Choose fresh thighs with a light pink color.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch Coats chicken for crunch.
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil For frying.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Use fresh for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Low sodium optional.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Can be adjusted or substituted.
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar Adds acidity to balance flavors.
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced For seasoning.
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced For seasoning.
  • 1 tsp sesame oil Adds nutty aroma.
For Garnish
  • Green onions, for garnish Add color and freshness.
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish Toasting recommended for more flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch and set aside.
  2. Let the coated pieces sit for 5 minutes so the coating adheres.
Frying
  1. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden and crispy, flipping after 2-3 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a separate bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
  2. Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken and toss to coat.
Finishing Touches
  1. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  2. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve over rice, add veggies, or use lettuce cups for a light meal. Best reheated in the oven to retain crispness.