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The Ultimate 30-Minute Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450
This quick and flavorful orange chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a tangy orange glaze, perfect for a satisfying homemade meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg

Dry ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking liquids and sauces

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Zest of 1 large orange orange zest

For serving

  • cooked white rice and steamed broccoli (for serving)

Instructions 

  • Whisk the egg and prepare a flour mixture. Coat chicken pieces in egg, then in the flour mixture.
  • Pan-fry chicken in oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  • Simmer orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
  • Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, then stir in orange zest.
  • Combine chicken with sauce, toss to coat, and serve immediately over rice with broccoli.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in the flour mixture.
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Keyword: Orange Chicken