Crispy orange chicken fills your home with warm, inviting aromas. This dish captures the delicious takeout flavors we all love, yet it’s simple enough to prepare at home. Families enjoy it because it combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Cooking this dish offers a fun experience that brings everyone together at mealtime.
Why Make This Recipe
Crispy orange chicken stands out for its fun, delicious taste. The chicken gets crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside. The orange sauce adds a refreshing flavor that makes each bite exciting. It suits family dinners, weeknight meals, or even celebratory occasions.
You do not need complicated skills to make this dish. It utilizes familiar ingredients and straightforward cooking methods. This makes it perfect for home cooks of all levels. Serve it up with rice or vegetables, and you create a complete meal that is both satisfying and comforting.
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken: A Family-Friendly Taste of Takeout
To create this delightful dish, start by preparing the chicken. You need to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Next, you can mix flour and cornflour together with salt and pepper in a bowl. This mix will clothe the chicken in a crispy shell.
In another bowl, mix orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This will make the mouth-watering sauce.
Then, fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, toss them in the prepared sauce. Lastly, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and decoration.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (Use for juiciest texture.)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Light coating for crispiness.)
- 1/2 cup Cornflour (Cornstarch) (Adds extra crunch.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust as per taste.)
- Oil for frying (Canola or vegetable oil.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Key for zesty flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Opt for low-sodium if desired.)
- 1/4 cup Sugar (Adjust to taste.)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh is best for flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste (Freshly grated can be an alternative.)
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (For color and flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Optional for nutty flavor.)
Directions
Crispy Orange Chicken Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry using paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture. Make sure they are completely coated. Add them carefully to the hot oil.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until they turn golden brown and crispy. If cooking in batches, do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the cooked chicken and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- In the same skillet, drain most of the oil, leaving about a tablespoon.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, bring it to a quick boil, and then reduce the heat.
- Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the sauce. Toss well to coat each piece evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken: A Family-Friendly Taste of Takeout
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm, fluffy rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice for added flavor. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, add color and nutrition to your meal. They help balance the sweet flavors of the chicken.
Consider serving some egg rolls or spring rolls on the side for a touch of crunch. If you love spice, a few chili flakes sprinkled on top bring extra heat.
For family gatherings, set up a buffet-style meal. Allow each person to customize their plate with chicken, rice, and vegetables. This makes dining fun and interactive for everyone.
How to Store Crispy Orange Chicken: A Family-Friendly Taste of Takeout
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The oven helps maintain the crispy texture.
If in a hurry, you can microwave it. But this may leave the chicken a bit softer.
Tips to Make Crispy Orange Chicken: A Family-Friendly Taste of Takeout
Here are some helpful tips for a successful dish.
- Choose Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy, while breasts may dry out.
- Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before coating helps the batter stick better.
- Control Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken for extra crispiness. A drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the temperature stable and the chicken crispy.
- Thicken Sauce: If the sauce does not thicken, let it boil a little longer to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish: Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add a beautiful touch and burst of flavor.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when cooking the chicken for extra nutrition.
- Use Different Proteins: Try this recipe with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Sour: Replace some orange juice with pineapple juice to create a sweet and sour taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They won’t be as juicy as thighs but will still work fine. Be careful not to overcook them.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
What if I do not have fresh orange juice?
You can use packaged orange juice. Just make sure it is pure juice without added sugar for the best flavor.
Crispy Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: None
Description
Crispy orange chicken captures the delicious takeout flavors we all love, with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that makes family dinners a delight.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Cornflour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Oil for frying (Canola or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture until completely coated, then add them carefully to the hot oil.
- Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate bowl, mix fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- In the same skillet, drain most of the oil, leaving about a tablespoon.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the sauce and toss to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Notes
Serve with rice or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding some egg rolls or spring rolls on the side.