Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving takeout vibes but want a homemade twist, this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe will absolutely thrill your taste buds. Juicy chicken pieces are fried to crackling perfection, then tossed in a luscious, sticky orange glaze so full of flavor, you’ll forget all about the delivery menu. It’s a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, wrapped in a golden, crunchy bite that makes this dish a huge favorite in my kitchen—especially when I want something special but fast. Whether you’re rustling up a cozy dinner for two or aiming to impress with restaurant-style flair, the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe always turns a meal into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an unforgettable Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe lies in a short list of familiar ingredients that work together like magic. Every component—from the chicken’s juicy inside to that irresistible sticky sauce—plays a starring role, giving you maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Go with boneless pieces, cut into small cubes for easy frying and maximum crispiness.
• Egg White: Helps the flour stick and gives the chicken its ultra-crispy shell.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat; use in both the marinade and sauce for depth.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to both the marinade and sauce for the ultimate flavor punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for keeping the chicken flavorful all the way through.
• Flour: The secret to that crunchy, golden coating you can’t resist.
• Oil (for deep frying): Ensures your chicken cooks up crispy every time—use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
• Garlic: Gives the sauce its signature aromatic flavor; don’t skip it!
• Vegetable Stock: A splash enriches and balances the sweetness in the orange sauce.
• Honey: Adds a smooth, natural sweetness to the sauce without overpowering the citrus.
• Orange Marmalade: Delivers vibrant citrus flavor and sticky-sweet gloss (choose your favorite brand or homemade).
• Sugar: A little extra to boost the sweet-tart balance in the sauce.
• Cornflour/Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into that perfect, glossy consistency.
• Water: Used to make the cornflour slurry and adjust the sauce thickness.
• Spring Onions (optional): For a pop of freshness as a final garnish.

How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by whisking the egg white in a generous bowl until it’s just a little frothy. Add the chicken cubes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything to thoroughly coat every piece. Next, sprinkle over the flour and give it all a gentle toss until the chicken is covered well—this step ensures every bite will have that signature crunch when fried.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the battered chicken cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch until they’re golden and irresistibly crisp on the outside, then set the cooked pieces aside on a rack or paper towel to drain any excess oil. Resist nibbling—they’re about to get even better!

Step 3: Mix Up the Orange Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable stock, honey, orange marmalade, and sugar. This mixture brings all the classic sweet, tangy, and slightly savory flavors that make the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe so addictive.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Build the Sauce

Add a little oil to a skillet or wok and set it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant (but not browned). Pour in your prepared sauce mixture and let it bubble away for 2–3 minutes, filling your kitchen with the most incredible citrusy aroma.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornflour/cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Lower the heat and pour the slurry into your bubbling sauce. Stir constantly for a minute to thicken it up into a glossy, luscious glaze, then get ready for the best part.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Add the crispy fried chicken right into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure every piece is coated with that gorgeous, sticky orange glaze. Let everything cook together on low for a final two minutes, soaking up all the goodness. Finish with a handful of sliced spring onions if you like, then serve your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe piping hot with fluffy steamed rice or as an appetizer on its own.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! Sprinkle over some finely sliced green onions or sesame seeds just before serving for a pop of color and subtle crunch. A little extra orange zest is also amazing if you want to amp up that citrus aroma—just be sure to grate it fresh over the top for maximum impact.

Side Dishes

The most classic pairing for your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is a steaming bowl of fluffy jasmine rice—perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce. If you love variety, add sautéed Asian greens, crunchy stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad for freshness and balance. Fried rice or noodles make fantastic choices if you’re building a full takeout-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving to guests or just want to get a little fancy, use small bamboo baskets or appetizer spoons for party portions. For family dinners, pile your orange chicken into a large serving bowl with extra sauce drizzled over the top. Add a few slices of fresh orange or edible flowers for an elegant, restaurant-worthy touch—your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe will look (and taste) unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the chicken (with the sauce) in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The coating may lose some crispness, but the flavors get even better as they mingle in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces and the orange sauce separately for easy meal prep. Let both cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

To bring your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe back to its mouthwatering best, reheat the chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer until they regain their crunch, then simmer the sauce gently in a saucepan. Toss them together right before serving for that fresh-from-the-pan flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten free too. You’ll still get that delicious crispy finish with the same vibrant flavor.

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thigh is the top choice for juicy, flavorful bites, but breast meat works well too if you prefer something leaner. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays tender inside.

Can I use bottled orange sauce instead?

You can, but making your own sauce from scratch only takes a few extra minutes and tastes so much fresher! The homemade glaze in this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is what sets it apart from store-bought versions.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal since they have high smoke points and won’t overpower the flavors of the dish. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the chicken fries up crisp, not greasy.

How do I prevent the chicken coating from getting soggy?

For ultimate crunch, always drain fried chicken well on a rack instead of paper towels, and don’t cover it while it cools. Only toss with the sauce just before serving for the most satisfying, crackly texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combo of crispy chicken and bold, zesty sauce—this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!

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