Are you looking for a simple, delicious dinner that the whole family will love? This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With a sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Orange Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful orange sauce. Originating from Chinese takeout restaurants, it has become a comfort food for many families. This homemade version offers the same delicious taste with the convenience of cooking it at home.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners.
- Healthy Ingredients: Uses fresh ginger, garlic, and orange juice for a healthier twist.
- Versatile: Great for serving over rice or with your favorite vegetables.
If you like this chicken recipe, you may also love our Sweet and Sour Chicken or our Honey Garlic Chicken.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein.
- Flour and Cornstarch: Create a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Onion Powder and Paprika: Seasons the coating.
- BBQ Sauce and Orange Marmalade: Base for the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Adds depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce and Chili Garlic Sauce: Enhances the taste.
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: For garnish and added texture.
- Peanut Oil: For frying.
- Salt and Pepper: Adds flavor.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
STEP ONE: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken pieces in the dry mixutre.
STEP TWO: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
STEP THREE: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, orange marmalade, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Coat the Chicken
Add fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- BBQ Sauce: Substitute with hoisin sauce.
- Orange Marmalade: Swap with apricot preserves for a unique flavor.
- Peanut Oil: Use any high smoke point oil for frying.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Spicy: Add more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Flavor: Incorporate fresh squeezed orange juice and orange zest into the sauce.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
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- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Storage
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Cut and coat the chicken in advance for a quicker cooking process.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Adjust the thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry if needed.
To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover ginger in a stir-fry.
- Orange marmalade can be used in glazes for meats.
- Extra soy sauce is perfect for homemade fried rice.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with steamed Jasmine Rice Instant Pot Recipe and broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Pair with an Easy Asian Cucumber Salad.
- Add a side of Crispy Vegetarian Egg Rolls for a complete takeout experience.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Chicken Pad Thai
- Spicy Thai Noodles
Related
More Asian cuisine you will love:
FAQ
The best orange chicken sauce combines fresh orange juice, orange marmalade, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Cook these ingredients over medium heat until thickened for a delicious, tangy sauce.
Yes, you can use frozen popcorn chicken as a shortcut. Simply heat the popcorn chicken according to package instructions and then toss it in the homemade orange sauce for a quick and easy meal.
To make orange chicken healthier, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce, and opt for baking the chicken instead of frying. Serve with brown rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
📖 Recipe
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Storage
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teapoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- peanut oil for frying
Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken pieces in the dry mixutre.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a medium saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, minced ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and sesame oil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and well combined, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
- BBQ Sauce: Substitute with hoisin sauce.
- Orange Marmalade: Swap with apricot preserves for a unique flavor.
- Peanut Oil: Use any high smoke point oil for frying.
Nutrition
Try this easy orange chicken recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Don't forget to share this recipe with friends or pin it for later!
Important Food Safety Tips
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Store leftovers promptly in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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