Best Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy chicken morsels are coated in a sticky, citrus-infused sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic. A family favorite that rivals takeout, this dish delivers bold flavor and protein in every bite.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken breast 1 lb
  • cornstarch 0.5 cup
  • all-purpose flour 0.25 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • vegetable oil 0.5 cup
  • orange zest 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • fresh orange juice 0.5 cup
  • soy sauce 3 tbsp
  • rice vinegar 1 tbsp
  • brown sugar 3 tbsp
  • fresh ginger 1 tsp
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp
  • cornstarch (for sauce) 1 tbsp
  • water 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 45%
Protein 23 g 27%
Fat 11 g 29%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Pat dry to remove excess moisture for crispier frying.

  2. 2

    In one bowl, whisk together the eggs. In a second bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.

  3. 3

    Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge evenly in the cornstarch-flour mixture. Shake off excess coating.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the chicken pieces in batches (don't overcrowd) for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

  5. 5

    In another skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

  6. 6

    Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Add this slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy (about 2 minutes).

  7. 7

    Add fried chicken to the skillet with sauce. Toss to coat all pieces thoroughly for 1-2 minutes over low heat.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra orange zest or sliced green onion if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star of this Orange Chicken recipe is boneless skinless chicken breast, which delivers the dish’s signature meaty bite and protein content. For the iconic citrus flavor, fresh orange juice and orange zest combine to form the base of the sticky sauce.
Q. How do I prevent the chicken from turning soggy after saucing?
To keep your chicken crispy, make sure to fry it at medium-high heat until golden brown and drain it thoroughly before adding to the sauce. Toss the chicken quickly in the thickened orange sauce over low heat, and serve immediately to retain maximum crunch.
Q. What’s the protein-to-carb ratio in this dish?
This recipe provides 23g of protein and 38g of carbohydrates per serving, with protein accounting for approximately 27% of total calories, and carbohydrates about 45%. It’s a balanced main dish with notable protein for muscle support.
Q. Which ingredient brings brightness and zest to the sauce?
Fresh orange juice and freshly grated orange zest are essential for delivering the lively citrus flavor that defines Orange Chicken. These ingredients infuse the sauce with a natural sweetness and tang that sets the dish apart.
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