Quick & Easy Orange Chicken

Crispy fried chicken tossed in a bright, sweet and savory orange sauce! This quick and easy orange chicken recipe is a great main dish - ready in 30-minutes! Family-friendly, better-than-takeout, and great for busy weeknights!

4.95 from 51 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 or potato starch
⅓ cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
½ green onion finely chopped, optional garnish
1 tbsp orange zest grated, optional garnish
1 tsp sesame seeds toasted, optional garnish

Orange Chicken Sauce

1 cup orange juice freshly-squeezed, pulp removed (about 4-5 medium-sized oranges)
2 tablespoon white vinegar or rice vinegar / apple cider 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 or potato starch / tapioca starch
½ tsp red chili flakes optional, if you prefer it spicy

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients as listed above and mix well.
Dice the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes. Don't pat the chicken dry as moisture is needed for the next step.
Transfer the chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in small batches in a single layer until golden and crispy on both sides, about 6-8 minutes.
Remove and transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or a paper-towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil, which can cause soggy chicken.
On medium-high heat, add the sauce and simmer to thicken, about 1 minute.
Once thickened, add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with orange zest, sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!

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