Learn how to make crispy orange chicken at home that’s better than takeout. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Author:Liam Ellis
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Entree
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American Chinese
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Sesame seeds for garnish
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
For crispier chicken, you can double-fry it. Fry the chicken once until lightly golden, remove, and then fry again until deeply golden brown before saucing.
Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by adding more honey or rice vinegar.
Use chicken breast if you prefer, but thighs tend to stay more tender.