Easy Homemade Orange Chicken

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors found in homemade orange chicken. This dish takes juicy, tender chicken pieces, coats them in a crispy breading, and tosses them in a luscious citrus glaze. The best part? You don’t have to order takeout to enjoy this crowd-pleaser—you can make it easily at home with fresh, simple ingredients.

Why Homemade Orange Chicken is Better Than Takeout

• Healthier: You control the ingredients, ensuring there are no unnecessary additives or excessive oil.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors to your liking by tweaking the spice, sweetness, or tanginess.
• Fresh and Crispy: Enjoy chicken that’s freshly fried and coated in sauce, unlike takeout that can get soggy in transit.
• Cost-Effective: Making it at home is more affordable, especially when feeding a family.

Ingredient Notes for Easy Homemade Orange Chicken

• Chicken Fillets: Use boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Italian Herbs: Adds a mild, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Flakes: A balanced spice blend for seasoning the chicken. Adjust chili flakes for heat preference.
• Eggs & Garlic: The eggs help bind the breadcrumbs, and garlic infuses additional flavor into the coating.
• Breadcrumbs & Crushed Cornflakes: Provide a crunchy texture. Cornflakes add extra crispiness.
• Parsley: Adds freshness and a subtle herby flavor to the coating.
• Butter & Brown Sugar: The base of the orange sauce, giving it richness and sweetness.
• Orange Juice & Zest: Use fresh oranges for a vibrant, citrusy flavor. The zest enhances the aroma.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, smooth consistency.

How to Make Easy Homemade Orange Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Begin by seasoning the chicken with Italian herbs, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the coating and sauce ingredients. This step allows the flavors to infuse into the meat.

2. Bread the Chicken

Set up two bowls for breading:

• Bowl 1: Whisk the eggs and mix in the minced garlic.
• Bowl 2: Combine breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, and parsley.

• Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all chicken pieces.

3. Fry the Chicken

• Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the breaded chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

4. Make the Orange Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Add the brown sugar and orange zest, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes fragrant.
• In a separate bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice with the cornstarch slurry. Stir until smooth, then gradually pour this mixture into the saucepan.
• Stir continuously to prevent lumps and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the orange glaze. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Be careful not to overcook, as this can soften the crispy coating.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

• Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides a more vibrant and natural citrus flavor compared to store-bought juice.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or balance it with a splash of rice vinegar.
• Keep the Chicken Crispy: To maintain some crunch, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving, rather than letting it sit too long.
• Double the Sauce: If you’re serving the chicken with rice or noodles, consider doubling the sauce so there’s plenty to drizzle over the sides.

What to Serve with Homemade Orange Chicken

Pair this flavorful dish with sides that complement its sweet and tangy profile:

1. Steamed Rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up the sauce.
2. Vegetable Fried Rice: Adds texture and extra flavor to your meal.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas work beautifully.
4. Asian-Inspired Slaw: A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing.
5. Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil are a hearty option.
6. Wonton Soup: A warm and savory starter to pair with your main dish.

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Easy Homemade Orange Chicken

Essen Paradies

This Easy Homemade Orange Chicken recipe features crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a zesty, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. Seasoned to perfection, the chicken is breaded with a crunchy mix of breadcrumbs and cornflakes, then fried until crisp. Paired with a glossy sauce made from fresh orange juice, zest, and a hint of butter and brown sugar, it's a flavorful dish perfect with rice, noodles, or veggies!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Asian Inspired

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Deep frying pan
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Saucepan
• Measuring Spoons
• Zester

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken:

• 400 g chicken fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes

For the Coating:

• 2 eggs whisked
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 5 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 5 tbsp crushed cornflakes
• 2 tbsp parsley

For the Orange Sauce:

• 50 g butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice of 2 oranges
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for a slurry

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season chicken with Italian herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

Coat the Chicken:

• In one bowl, mix eggs and minced garlic.
• In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, and parsley.
• Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Fry the Chicken:

• Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
• Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.

Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add brown sugar and orange zest. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• In a separate bowl, squeeze the orange juice and mix it with the cornstarch slurry. Stir until smooth.
• Gradually pour the orange juice mixture into the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Combine:

• Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
• Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with parsley or extra orange zest if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Keyword Asian-Inspired Chicken Dish, Crispy Orange Chicken, Easy Homemade Orange Chicken, Fried Chicken with Orange Sauce, Homemade Orange Chicken, Orange Chicken Recipe, Orange Sauce Chicken, Quick Orange Chicken

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