Best Orange Chicken Recipe

This is the BEST Orange Chicken Recipe with crispy breaded chicken in a sweet orange sauce, ready in a flash!

You can’t just have orange chicken by its self! This recipe is pairs well with Fried Rice and Chicken Egg Rolls.

Be prepared to make this orange chicken recipe non-stop! It’ll soon become a family favorite.

Homemade Orange Chicken

If you’re a fan of the famous Panda Express Orange Chicken, then this homemade version is going to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to whip up the Best Orange Chicken. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients located in the printable recipe card below.

Ingredients for the Chicken

• Canola Oil – or vegetable oil for frying the chicken
• Sesame Oil – enhances flavor
• Egg – for binding the chicken coating
• Corn Starch – helps give the chicken a nice crunchy coating
• Soy Sauce – the sodium brings in a nice flavor boost
• Boneless Chicken Thigh – Boneless Chicken Breast would also work

Ingredients for the Orange Sauce

• Oranges – you’ll use the juice and the zest
• Soy Sauce
• Sugar – helps the sauce caramelize
• Rice Wine Vinegar – or dry Sherry (This can also be substituted with more chicken broth)
• Chicken Broth – can be substituted with vegetable broth
• Corn Starch – to thicken the sauce
• Minced Ginger
• Garlic Cloves – Minced

How To Make Orange Chicken

Juicy chicken thighs are battered in a quick cornstarch mixture and lightly friend until crisp, then tossed in a sweet and delicious orange sauce.

Batter the Chicken

Start by marinating cut up chicken thighs in a mixture of cornstarch, egg, soy sauce and sesame oil. You can fry the chicken pieces in a heavy bottomed skillet or quickly in a deep fryer set at 375 degrees F.

I did pull out my deep fryer for the chicken. Mostly because it’s just easier and less messy. If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can fry up the chicken in skillet or wok.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Sauce Copycat

While the chicken is cooking you can quickly make the delicious orange chicken sauce.

Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl combine the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, water, sugar, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, and corn starch. Set this aside.

Cook the Sauce

Heat up some canola or vegetable oil in a Wok or skillet. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if you plan on using them). Once fragrant, pour in the sauce and cook until it starts thickening.

Add the fried chicken to the pan and coat them in the sauce. Serve this dish over white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

What To Serve with Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken is fantastic over a bed of hot rice, but here are some simple recipes that can make it a complete meal!

• Quick and Easy Fried Rice
• Easy Lo Mein Noodles
• Chicken Egg Rolls
• Egg Drop Soup
• Sweet and Spicy Green Beans

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4.75 from 43 votes

Orange Chicken Recipe

This crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is better than take out with a sweet and slightly spicy orange sauce.

Prep Time15minutes mins

Cook Time15minutes mins

Total Time30minutes mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 306 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

• Canola Oil for frying
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup corn starch
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ tsp fresh orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp water
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar, or dry sherry
• ⅓ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 ½ tsp minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

For the Garnish:

• sliced green onions
• orange slices

Instructions

• Pour 1 to 2 inches of canola (or vegetable) oil in a small deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot and heat to 375 degrees F.*
• In a large bowl combine the sesame oil, egg, 3 tbsp soy sauce and ⅓ cup corn starch until a thin batter forms. Toss in the chicken pieces and let sit for a few minutes while the oil heats up. Fry the chicken in batches and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Combine the orange zest, orange juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp water, ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), ⅓ cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp corn starch in a bowl and set aside.
• Once chicken is finished cooking, heat 1 tsp canola oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat. Toss in the ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Once thickened (about 3 to 4 minutes) add the chicken to the wok and stir to coat with sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and orange slices and serve over hot steamed rice if desired. Enjoy!

Video

Best Orange Chicken Recipe

*If you don’t have a deep fryer or a heavy bottomed pot, add a few tablespoons of canola oil to a skillet with high edges and cook the chicken on all sides until browned and crispy. Drain on paper towel lined plates.

Nutrition

Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg