Easy Orange Chicken (30 Minutes)
Crispy bite-sized pieces of chicken tossed in a savory, sweet, and bright orange sauce make the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. This easy orange chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and goes from kitchen counter to dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ½ green onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp orange zest grated
- 1 tsp sesame seeds toasted kind
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 cup freshly-squeezed orange juice pulp removed (from 4-5 oranges)
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 6 tablespoon brown sugar light
- 2 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tsp red chili flakes optional for spice
Instructions
- Whisk the listed sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined and the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Dice the chicken thighs into uniform 1.5-inch pieces. Do not pat the chicken dry, as a little surface moisture helps the cornstarch stick.
- Transfer the chicken to a large bowl, add the cornstarch, and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in small batches in a single layer for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the crust set before moving or flipping the chicken.
- Move the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and prevent the crust from turning soggy. Remove the remaining oil and any browned bits from the pan.
- Whisk the sauce again just before pouring into the pan and simmer over medium-high heat until thickened, then add the chicken, toss to coat, and garnish with zest, sesame seeds, and green onions. Serve immediately.
Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!
Suggested Equipment & Products
Nutrition
Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 820mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 2mg