If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe in Minutes! is the answer. With crispy chicken coated in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, this dish rivals your favorite takeout but is so much easier and healthier to make at home. Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Let’s get started on making this delicious orange chicken in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
Here’s why this Homemade orange chicken recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen:
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings.
No Deep Frying: Instead of deep-frying, we’ll make a crispy coating that’s baked or pan-fried for a healthier version.
Sweet & Tangy: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking.
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe in Minutes!
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a family meal or dinner for two with leftovers.
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce:
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium for a healthier option)
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh or ground)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry)
For Garnish (optional):
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Orange zest (optional for an extra citrusy kick)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Orange Chicken in Minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs—thighs tend to be juicier, but both work perfectly for this dish.
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well to ensure an even coating.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and flour mixture twice.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the coated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary, so the chicken cooks evenly.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Alternative: If you prefer to bake the chicken for a healthier option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, discard any excess oil, leaving just a small amount. Add orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger to the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring. This will thicken the sauce to a syrupy consistency in about 1-2 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you like your sauce a little thicker, you can add more cornstarch slurry, but be sure to add it gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with the Sauce
Add the crispy chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a little orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
Serve your homemade orange chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Practical Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
1. Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess
If you prefer your orange chicken on the sweeter side, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to the sauce. If you prefer it more tangy, add a little more vinegar.
2. Add Some Heat
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. This adds a nice balance of heat and sweet.
3. Use Fresh Orange Juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a richer flavor compared to bottled juice. If you’re using store-bought juice, make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugar or preservatives.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than get crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade orange chicken recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
Serve with steamed rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
Over noodles: Serve the orange chicken over lo mein or rice noodles for a delicious twist.
As a side dish: Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe in Minutes!
This Homemade orange chicken recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The crispy chicken coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce will make this dish a hit every time.
To recap:
Cook the chicken until crispy and golden brown.
Make the sauce with orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and ginger.
Coat the chicken in the sauce and cook for a few more minutes.
Garnish and serve with your favorite side dishes.