Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright and tangy flavors yet is incredibly simple to prepare, this Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is just what you need. It packs tender, crispy chicken pieces drenched in a luscious, homemade orange sauce that balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings vibrant colors and irresistible aromas to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the cornstarch that gives the chicken its crispiness, to the fresh ginger and garlic that add layers of aromatic flavor, to the bright orange juice which is the heart of the sauce. Together, they create a balanced dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

• Chicken breast, 2 pounds: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the tender protein base of your dish.
• Cornstarch, 1/2 cup: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy coating on your chicken.
• All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup: Mixed with cornstarch to add structure and crunch.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning mix.
• Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the coating.
• Eggs, 2 large (beaten): Helps the flour mixture stick perfectly to each piece of chicken.
• Vegetable oil, 1/4 cup: For frying, bringing the crispy texture to life.
• Orange juice, 1/2 cup: The bright and tangy star of the sauce.
• Sugar, 1/3 cup: Balances the tang of the orange juice with a gentle sweetness.
• Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: Adds savory saltiness that complements the orange flavor.
• Rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons: Brings acidity to brighten the sauce.
• Grated ginger, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the sauce with fragrant spice.
• Minced garlic, 2 cloves: Provides aromatic depth and a slight bite.
• Red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon (optional): Gives a pop of heat for those who like a little kick.
• Cornstarch dissolved in water, 2 teaspoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water: Used for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
• Sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons (optional): Adds nutty flavor and a bit of crunch as a garnish.
• Green onions, 2 (sliced): Fresh garnish to brighten and add a mild onion flavor.

How to Make Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces — this ensures every bite is perfectly portioned and easy to enjoy. Having evenly sized pieces will also make sure they cook uniformly, resulting in crispy edges and a juicy center.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. This combination not only flavors the coating but also creates that signature crispy crust that holds up beautifully under the orange sauce.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. The eggs act like glue here, helping the flour mixture adhere so each piece gets fully coated and achieves maximum crispiness when fried.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Warm up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when the chicken hits it but not smoking, so your chicken crisps up without burning.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered. Then dredge them in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to create an even coating that will turn golden and crunchy once fried.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Add the coated chicken pieces carefully to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until each piece is golden brown and irresistible. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Make the Orange Sauce

Using the same skillet, combine the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and meld all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 8: Thicken the Sauce

Once the sauce starts simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken. Keep stirring until the sauce reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency that will cling lovingly to your chicken.

Step 9: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece in that luscious orange glaze. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken through and fully infuse the flavors.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the saucy chicken and garnish with sliced green onions. These little touches add a lovely texture contrast and a pop of fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish.

How to Serve Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and bright green onion slices on top creates an eye-catching presentation and adds delightful texture contrasts. For a bit of extra zing, add a few red pepper flakes if you want to amplify the heat.

Side Dishes

This orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up that sticky, flavorful sauce. For a refreshing crunch and balance, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a simple crisp cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to switch things up? Try serving the orange chicken over a bed of noodles or quinoa for a wholesome twist. You could also stuff into warm tortillas for fun, Asian-inspired wraps or pile it on top of a crunchy salad for a protein-packed meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to ensure the flavors meld beautifully and the chicken stays moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too! Portion your leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat orange chicken is gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the chicken. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving, so they’re a great substitute if you prefer a richer flavor and moist texture in your orange chicken.

Is it necessary to deep-fry the chicken?

You don’t need to deep-fry; pan-frying in a good amount of oil works perfectly to achieve a golden crust while using less oil, making this recipe accessible for most kitchens.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, warm it up and toss with freshly cooked chicken for best texture and flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes as optional. Leave them out for a mild, family-friendly dish, or add them in for a pleasant, subtle kick that complements the sweet orange flavors.

What do I do if my sauce is too thin?

If your sauce is thinner than you like, gradually add a bit more cornstarch slurry while simmering until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Remember to stir to prevent lumps.

Final Thoughts

This Super Easy Orange Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining. It brings restaurant-worthy flavor and texture to your table without complicated steps or intimidating ingredients. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print