Recreating your favorite restaurant dish at home is incredibly satisfying. The sound of crispy chicken in hot oil and the smell of orange zest and soy sauce are amazing. This homemade orange chicken recipe is a treat for your taste buds and creates lasting memories.
It’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends. Every bite brings joy to your table.
Get ready to impress everyone with this delicious and customizable dish. Making orange chicken at home is surprisingly easy. Let’s explore the key elements of this crowd-pleaser!
Key Takeaways
- Homemade orange chicken allows for customization and creativity in the kitchen.
- This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone’s sure to love.
- You can achieve crispy chicken without the need for a deep fryer.
- It’s an easy homemade recipe that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine to your table.
- Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
This homemade orange chicken recipe is a hit for many reasons. It offers a perfect mix of flavors that will make you want more. The sweetness of orange juice and the tanginess of soy sauce make every bite a delight.
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy
The mix of sweet and tangy with a touch of spice is amazing. Each bite of crispy chicken is a treat. It makes your meals more fun and exciting.
Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
This recipe is simple and easy to make. You only need common ingredients like chicken breasts, cornstarch, and spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Crispy texture without needing a deep fryer
You don’t need a deep fryer for crispy chicken. A stovetop or oven method works just as well. This way, you can enjoy crispy chicken without feeling guilty.
Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe
Making your own orange chicken at home is a fun cooking journey. This recipe mixes great flavors and textures, just like your favorite takeout, which has an interesting backstory and cultural evolution rooted in Chinese-American cuisine. Follow these easy steps to make a homemade orange sauce that goes perfectly with crispy chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size chunks
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Tips for Success
When making your homemade orange chicken, a few tips can make a big difference. Customizing flavors and getting the right consistency can enhance your meal. It makes your dish more enjoyable.
Make it gluten-free
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. These options have a similar taste but are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your homemade recipe.
Adjusting spice level
Adjusting the spice level is easy. For less heat, use less red pepper flakes or skip them. For more heat, add more flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.
Sauce too thin? Here’s how to fix it
If your sauce is too thin, don’t worry. Mix cornstarch or flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce over low heat. This will thicken your sauce, making your orange chicken recipe even better.
What to Serve with Orange Chicken
Pairing your homemade orange chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal. It enhances the flavors of the dish. Think about classic Asian cuisine elements that match the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce.
Best rice pairings
Rice is the top choice for serving with orange chicken. Classic white rice or flavorful fried rice is perfect. They soak up the delicious sauce, adding a satisfying texture and balancing the taste. Here’s a quick look at some rice options:
| Type of Rice | Description |
|---|---|
| White Rice | Classic choice, neutral flavor that absorbs the orange chicken sauce well. |
| Fried Rice | Seasoned with vegetables and protein, it adds flavor and texture to the meal. |
| Brown Rice | Healthier option with more fiber, offering a nuttier taste. |
Steamed broccoli, egg rolls, etc.
Adding vegetables to your plate boosts the meal’s nutritional value. Steamed broccoli is a great choice, offering a fresh, crunchy contrast to the sweet and savory orange chicken. You might also consider:
- Egg rolls for a crunchy side that complements the meal
- Spring rolls for a fresh, light addition
- A light salad to enhance the meal with refreshing greens
Storage & Reheating Tips
After enjoying your homemade orange chicken, it’s important to store leftovers right. This keeps the flavor and texture fresh. Follow these easy tips to enjoy your dish later.
Fridge & freezer instructions
To keep your homemade orange chicken perfect, follow these steps:
- Let the chicken cool down completely before storing.
- Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and freezer burn.
- If you plan to store it for more than a few days, freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Best ways to reheat for crispiness
Reheating your homemade orange chicken right is key for a crispy texture. Here are the best methods:
- Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
- Air fryer: This method is great. Set your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for around 5-7 minutes to regain that crispiness without drying out the chicken.
- Avoid microwaving: While it’s quick, microwaving can make the chicken soggy and lose its texture.
Final Thoughts
Thinking about your cooking journey with this homemade orange chicken recipe shows how fun it is. You can make your own version of Chinese food at home. The mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes your meal special.
This recipe is easy to make and uses quality ingredients. It’s a meal that tastes great and is fun to prepare. You can also make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients.
Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. This recipe is a great starting point. You can add more spice, different veggies, or try different proteins. Every time you make it, you can try something new.
With a little practice, this homemade orange chicken recipe will become a favorite. It’s time to say goodbye to bad takeout. Start cooking at home and impress your loved ones with your delicious dishes.
If you enjoy bold Asian-inspired dishes like this, you might also love our Chinese garlic chicken for its punchy savory profile, or explore something slightly sweeter like honey butter chicken.
For a tropical twist, try the smoky-sweet flavor of Huli Huli chicken, or turn up the heat with our jalapeño peach chicken. These recipes make great companions to your orange chicken nights and offer endless inspiration.
Homemade Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts chopped into bite-size chunks
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying
For The Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Chop the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Zest an orange to get 1 Tbsp of orange zest. Juice 2-3 oranges or use store-bought orange juice.
- Beat the eggs in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
- Coat a handful of chicken bites in the egg mixture, then toss with the flour/cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess and place on a plate. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
- Heat cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Fry the coated chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Place on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
- Mix 1/2 Tbsp of cornstarch with 1 Tbsp of warm water.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, white vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, and the cornstarch mixture. Heat until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and mix well.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped green onions if desired. Serve with rice and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
