Name: Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 6 whole boneless chicken thighs (or 2 lbs. of chicken tenderloins), diced into ½ inch cubes; ¼ cup all purpose flour; 1 tbsp. corn starch; 1 tsp. black pepper (fresh ground, or less to taste); 1 tsp. onion powder; ½ tsp. ginger powder; ½ tsp. salt; 1 tsp. paprika (for color); Vegetable oil for frying; ¾ cup fresh orange juice; 1½ tbsp. corn starch; 2 tbsps. vegetable oil; 3 tbsps. low sodium soy sauce; 1½ tbsp. rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 2 tbsps. brown sugar; ½ tbsp. grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced); ½ tsp. black pepper (fresh ground); 1 tsp. orange zest; Chili flakes (optional, to add heat)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant citrus flavor and satisfies your comfort food desires, this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic blend of tender, golden-battered chicken smothered in a perfectly tangy and sweet orange sauce that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a fuss-free meal, this recipe is straightforward enough to whip up in just 30 minutes without sacrificing any of that homemade love. Trust me, once you taste this orange chicken, it will quickly become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left, there are five pieces of raw chicken thighs with a light pink color and some fat. To the right of the chicken, a white egg is visible. Nearby, there are small clear glass bowls holding different ingredients: one has black pepper, another has a light yellow or white powder, one has a light brown sugar-like substance, another has a dark brown liquid (likely soy sauce), and one has small red chili flakes. Also present are an orange, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a garlic clove, a clear liquid in a small bowl, and three green onions with long green stalks and white bulbs laid flat. The items are arranged in a way that each ingredient is easily seen and separated. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly. Each component plays a crucial role—from the crispy coating on the chicken thighs to the zingy orange sauce that ties it all together—making the dish both flavorful and satisfying.

Boneless chicken thighs (6 whole or 2 lbs. tenderloins): Chosen for their juiciness and tenderness, they stay succulent even after frying.
All purpose flour (¼ cup): Creates a light and crispy coating that locks in moisture.
Corn starch (1 tbsp. for chicken, 1½ tbsp. for sauce): Helps crisp the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Black pepper (1 tsp.): Adds subtle heat and enhances flavors, adjustable to your taste.
Onion powder (1 tsp.): Provides a mild savory note to the chicken coating.
Ginger powder (½ tsp.): Warms the palette and complements the orange flavor perfectly.
Salt (½ tsp.): Essential for seasoning and balance.
Paprika (1 tsp.): Gives a lovely color that makes the chicken look as good as it tastes.
Vegetable oil (for frying and 2 tbsp. for sauce): Ensures crispy chicken and a smooth sauce.
Fresh orange juice (¾ cup): The star ingredient, adding vibrant zest and sweetness.
Low sodium soy sauce (3 tbsp.): Adds umami depth without overpowering the dish.
Rice vinegar (1½ tbsp.): Brings mild acidity to balance sweetness, can substitute with white vinegar.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp.): Provides caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with orange.
Grated fresh ginger (½ tbsp.): Adds brightness and a fresh hint of spice.
Minced garlic (2 cloves): Brings aromatic savoriness that rounds out the sauce.
Orange zest (1 tsp.): Intensifies the citrus flavor dramatically.
Chili flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if you like a little kick.

How to Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken thighs into bite-sized ½ inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are perfect for coating in the flavorful flour-based mixture. Toss the chicken pieces with flour, corn starch, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, and ginger powder, making sure every piece is well coated. This combination creates that perfect crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a deep frying pan. When the oil is hot, carefully add in the coated chicken pieces, frying them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Don’t overcook them here; you want them crisp on the outside, but still juicy and tender on the inside. Remove and let them drain on paper towels if needed.

Step 3: Whisk and Simmer the Orange Sauce

While the chicken fries, it’s time to prepare that luscious orange sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. In a bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, corn starch, vegetable oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, orange zest, and chili flakes if you like. Pour the mixture into a hot nonstick skillet over low heat and gently simmer until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened perfectly, transfer the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet. Toss everything well so that each piece of chicken is generously coated in that vibrant orange sauce. Let the chicken simmer with the sauce for another 1-2 minutes—this helps the flavors meld together and ensures every bite bursts with that delightful sauce.

Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving

Remove from heat and your Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it piping hot, garnished and paired perfectly with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

A white pan filled with many small golden brown fried pieces, each dipped in a thick shiny dark orange sauce layered over them, sprinkled lightly with small white sesame seeds. The pan handle is black, and there are two bright orange halves placed on a white marbled surface nearby, with a dark blue cloth also under it. The sauce looks sticky and glossy, covering the pieces evenly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish elevates both its look and flavor. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top for added crunch and brightness. A bit of extra orange zest can also amplify that citrus pop, while a pinch of chili flakes can add that subtle heat if you like things a little spicy.

Side Dishes

Easy Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides that can soak up its sauce. Fluffy white rice or homemade Lo Mein noodles are classic and complement the dish beautifully, allowing every bit of that sweet and tangy sauce to shine. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas also make for a refreshing contrast and add a pop of green to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress friends or family? Serve your Easy Orange Chicken over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice nestled in a large family-style platter garnished lavishly with fresh herbs and toasted nuts. Alternatively, wrap the chicken in lettuce cups for a light, hand-held option that’s fun to eat and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whichever way you choose, the dish is sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken maintains its flavor and texture well for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together if possible to preserve that luscious coating on the chicken pieces.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Easy Orange Chicken for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Be careful not to use high heat to avoid drying out the chicken. This ensures that you get that delicious, saucy bite all over again without losing the tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can use boneless chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

While this recipe centers on chicken, you could substitute with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets coated and fried similarly, then tossed in the orange sauce. It’s a great alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version!

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer your sauce less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly or add a splash more vinegar to balance it out. Adjusting to your personal taste is always encouraged!

What’s the best way to get a crispy coating?

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken can fry evenly. Also, using a mix of flour and corn starch in the coating helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe without any gluten concerns.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably joyful about making and sharing this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe. From the bright burst of orange citrus to the crispy, tender chicken bites, every element works together to create a dish that’s simple yet spectacular. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new go-to crowd-pleaser.