Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Delight to Try

Name: Crispy Orange Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)

Published: April 13, 2025

by Amelia

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This crispy orange chicken recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for special occasions
The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it visually stunning and appealing on any dinner table
Versatile enough to serve over rice or with steamed veggies, it’s sure to please everyone at your table
And yes, it’s perfect for leftovers (if there are any)!

I still chuckle when I think about my friend Mike’s face after his first bite—it was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust for your crowd.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; they pack a punch that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger instead of using powdered; it gives a vibrant kick that elevates the dish.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor; you want that zesty brightness!
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors while keeping it savory.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness for caramelization; don’t skip it unless you want sad chicken.
Cornstarch: Essential for that crispy coating! It helps achieve the perfect crunch.
Sesame Oil: A splash adds depth and richness — trust me, it’s worth it!
Green Onions: These are not just for garnish; they add a fresh note that brightens every bite.

For the Sauce:

Red Pepper Flakes: If you like heat, sprinkle these in for an added kick that balances the sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this smoked sausage recipe recipe.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels; moisture is not your friend here if you want crispiness.

Create the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and half of your freshly squeezed orange juice. creamy mac and cheese soup Let the chicken marinate in this mixture for at least 30 minutes—they deserve a spa day too!

Dredge in Cornstarch: Once marinated, drain excess liquid and toss each piece in cornstarch until fully coated. This step is crucial—it’s what gives us that golden crunch later.

Fry Away!: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; when hot enough (you’ll see ripples), fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side should do it.

Whip Up the Sauce: In another pan, combine remaining orange juice with soy sauce and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Bring to a simmer until slightly thickened—this is where magic happens.

Coat with Sauce!: Add fried chicken chunks into the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated—let every piece bask in that glorious glaze.

Now plate up your crispy orange chicken masterpiece! Serve with fluffy rice or stir-fried veggies for an Instagram-worthy meal that tastes as good as it looks!

Enjoy this joyful ride through flavor town with every crispy bite!

You Must Know

This crispy orange chicken recipe is not just a feast for the eyes; it delivers a mouthwatering crunch and zesty flavor
The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
Perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests, it’s a true crowd-pleaser

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then fry until golden and crispy before adding the sauce. This ensures each piece is perfectly cooked and bursting with taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out traditional soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free options or add crushed red pepper for an extra kick. Customize to suit your taste buds!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover crispy orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350 degrees until crispy again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For an extra crunchy texture, double-coat your chicken pieces before frying
Use fresh oranges for the best flavor, and don’t skip on simmering the sauce to thicken it up just right
These small tweaks elevate this dish!

The first time I made this crispy orange chicken recipe, my friends declared me a culinary wizard. crispy salmon bites They couldn’t get enough of that sweet and tangy glaze!

FAQ

What can I serve with crispy orange chicken?

Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

grilled chicken souvlaki.

Yes, but ensure it’s completely thawed before marinating and cooking.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness.

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