Description
Craving that sweet, tangy, slightly spicy glaze you get with takeout? This orange chicken recipe is crispy, saucy, and shockingly simple—ready in under 45 minutes using pantry staples. Perfect for nostalgic Sunday dinners or weeknight wins.
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into cubes – 1.5 pounds
Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
Eggs, beaten – 2
Cooking oil (for frying) – As needed
Fresh orange juice – 1/2 cup
Orange zest – 1 tablespoon
Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
Brown sugar – 1/3 cup
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
Fresh ginger, minced – 1 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes (optional) – A pinch
Sesame oil (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1. Coat chicken bites in flour-cornstarch mix, dip in eggs, coat again.
2. Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 3–4 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger in 1 tbsp oil until fragrant.
4. Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick.
5. Toss fried chicken in the sauce and coat evenly.
6. Serve over rice or with sides like broccoli or egg bites.
7. For lighter version, air fry coated chicken at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, crispier bites.
Don’t skip the fresh orange zest—it’s the secret to brightness.
Easily customizable—add broccoli, chili flakes, or even cashews!
Panda Express fan? Your version will be fresher, crispier, and healthier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: orange chicken, takeout, easy dinner, homemade, Panda Express style