Quick & Easy Orange Chicken

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.

4.95 from 60 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Calories per serving 380 kcal

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, optional garnish
1 tsp sesame seeds toasted kind

For the Sauce

1 cup orange juice freshly-squeezed, pulp removed (4-5 medium oranges)
2 tablespoon white vinegar
6 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ teaspoon ginger powder or grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ tsp red chili flakes optional for spice

Instructions

Whisk the listed sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Dice the chicken thighs into uniform 1.5-inch pieces, leaving the natural moisture intact to help the coating 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 and fry the chicken in small, single-layer batches until golden and crispy, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Move the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and prevent the crust from turning soggy.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat until thickened, then add the chicken, toss to coat, and garnish with zest, sesame seeds, and green onions.

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