Go Back
+ servings
Delicious orange chicken served with vegetables and rice on a plate.

Orange Chicken

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy exterior, bathed in a bright, tangy-sweet orange sauce — perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Coating

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use halal-certified chicken for dietary practices.
  • ½ cup cornstarch Helps create a light, crispy coating.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying.

Orange Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Adjust according to preference.

Garnishing

  • Green onions, for garnish Add for freshness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch until they are evenly and lightly coated. Shake off excess.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Cooking Chicken

  • Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towel or a wire rack.

Making Sauce

  • Mix together in a separate bowl soy sauce, orange juice, sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until sugar dissolves.

Combining

  • Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir to coat.

Finishing

  • Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For variations, you might try baking or air-frying the chicken instead of frying. It is also great served with brown rice or in salads.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 900mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g
Keyword chicken recipe, Citrus Chicken, Orange Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!