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Easy Crispy Orange Chicken

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This easy crispy orange chicken is a homemade takeout-style favorite with golden, crispy chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet orange sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Oil for pan-frying (vegetable or canola)
  • For the orange sauce:
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste, to taste
  • Garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In one bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. In another, beat the eggs.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each piece in egg, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. In a clean skillet, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  6. Add crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Air fry or bake chicken for a lighter version.
  • Substitute shrimp or tofu for chicken.
  • Add hoisin or chili garlic paste for extra depth or heat.
  • Store chicken and sauce separately for best texture when reheating.
  • Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/easy-crispy-orange-chicken/