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.
Need more pairing suggestions? Try our Jasmine Rice Instant Pot Recipe and Easy Asian Cucumber Salad.
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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.
If you like this chicken recipe, you may also love our Sweet and Sour Chicken or our Honey Garlic Chicken.
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.
Ingredients
- 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.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Cut and coat the chicken in advance for a quicker cooking process.
✔️ DO Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
✔️ DO Adjust the thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry if needed.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 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.
Shanna Cross says
Great flavor, yummy dish!! Will make it again.