Orange Chicken Recipe – Quick, Easy & Irresistibly Delicious

Orange Chicken Recipe is a perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sweet, tangy, and savory orange glaze. As a professional chef, I love how this dish balances flavors with a hint of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re craving restaurant-style Chinese Orange Chicken or a homemade twist, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

This Quick & Easy Orange Chicken is made with fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce, giving it an incredible depth of flavor. Plus, it’s healthier and fresher than takeout! With simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you can make a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes. Let’s get started!

Crispy orange chicken coated in a glossy, tangy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with white rice in a rustic ceramic bowl, with orange slices and chopsticks on the side.

Preparation Time, Servings & Yield

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients for the Best Orange Chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup cornstarch
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
¼ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame oil

A neatly arranged flat lay of fresh ingredients for Orange Chicken sauce, including orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixture, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil on a rustic wooden surface.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat in the dry mixture.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, add orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
Mix cornstarch with water and slowly add it to the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.

A saucepan on a stovetop with simmering homemade orange chicken sauce, rich and glossy, with visible orange zest, garlic, and red pepper flakes, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated with the sauce.
Drizzle with sesame oil and mix well.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 400
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fats: 12g
Sugar: 18g

Different Versions of Orange Chicken

1. Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

Uses traditional Chinese ingredients like Shaoxing wine and hoisin sauce for an authentic taste.

2. Orange, Honey and Soy Chicken Recipe

A lighter, naturally sweetened version using honey instead of sugar.

3. Quick & Easy Orange Chicken

A 20-minute version with a simple stir-fry method, no deep frying needed.

4. Spicy Orange Chicken

Add extra chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick!

Why You Must Try This Orange Chicken Recipe

Restaurant-quality at home – tastes better than takeout!
Healthier alternative – fresh ingredients, no MSG.
Super easy & quick – ready in just 30 minutes.
Perfect balance of flavors – sweet, tangy, and savory.

Conclusion

This Orange Chicken Recipe is a must-try if you love crispy, flavorful, and delicious homemade Chinese food. It’s simple, quick, and packed with a rich orange glaze that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you prefer Chinese Orange Chicken or a Quick & Easy Orange Chicken, this recipe has something for everyone. Try it today and bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen!