Homemade Orange Chicken

Let’s be honest—Orange Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Those sticky, citrusy bites with a crispy, golden crust? Absolute heaven. But what’s not so great? Dropping a small fortune on takeout (or delivery fees) every time the craving strikes. Enter: this easy, homemade Orange Chicken recipe that’s just as good (if not better!) than your go-to spot.

We’re talking tender chicken bites coated in a crisp, golden batter and tossed in a perfectly sweet-and-tangy orange glaze. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already!

Pair it with some steamed rice or your favorite veggie stir-fry, and you’ve got yourself a meal that feels like takeout—without leaving the house. Bonus points for how impressed your friends or family will be when you serve this up.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want to hit that delivery app again.

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Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cubed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• Oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce: Double if you like it extra saucy

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon ginger, minced

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• ½ cup sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup distilled white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and white pepper.

• Create a batter by whisking the cornstarch, flour, and eggs in a separate bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes prior.

2. Coat and Fry:

• Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

• Carefully fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per batch.

• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.

• Stir in the sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

• In a mug, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.

4. Toss the Chicken:

• Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece in that delicious orange glaze.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve hot with steamed rice, and sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for a little extra flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making Orange Chicken at home is not only budget-friendly, but it also lets you tweak the flavors exactly how you like. Want more spice? Add extra chili flakes. Prefer less sweetness? Cut back on the sugar. It’s takeout vibes but totally customizable!

Next time you’re tempted to order delivery, give this recipe a try instead. It’s faster, fresher, and so much more satisfying knowing you made it yourself.

Let me know if you give it a go—your kitchen is about to smell amazing! 🌟