This Basic Orange Chicken Recipe is like a little party for your taste buds. It combines tender, crispy chicken with a sticky, tangy orange sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.
Today, I’m bringing you a recipe that’s sure to light up your kitchen with its zesty and sweet flavors. It’s a Basic Orange Chicken recipe that’s better than takeout!
It’s like bringing your favorite takeout right into your home, but even better because you made it yourself! Everything is better homemade, right?
Making Chinese Orange Chicken at home is easier than you might think. It’s a fun way to get the whole family involved in cooking dinner, and it’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Plus, you get to fill your home with the delicious aroma of cooking something truly special. That amazing smell is half the fun of home cooking.
Orange chicken is a super popular dish. It’s an American adaptation of a Chinese dish that’s been around in different forms for over a hundred years.
Though we make it a little differently these days! It’s popular for a reason, though. Tender chicken wrapped in batter and a sweet, citrusy orange sauce? What’s not to love?
Let’s dive into how you can create this yummy dish and make any dinner feel like a celebration. You’ll love this basic orange chicken recipe!
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Chicken Pesto Sandwiches (Panini Recipe), Crispy Fried Hot Honey Chicken Recipe, and Copycat Grilled Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast and delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
- Better Than Takeout: Making it at home lets you control the ingredients for a healthier option.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Chicken tenderloins
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Orange juice
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Ground ginger
- Garlic cloves
- Red pepper flake
- Scallions
HOW TO MAKE BASIC ORANGE CHICKEN RECIPE:
- Cut your chicken tenderloins into bite size pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the 3 eggs and ½ cup cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the chicken pieces to the cornstarch mixture and stir to coat.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat up about an inch of oil.
- Once the oil is hot add the chicken in a single layer, you may have to cook in batches.. Fry until brown on each side and cooked through (165°F).
- Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the rest of the chicken. Discard the oil from the pan.
- In a mixing bowl combine the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Add the sauce to your skillet over medium heat and whisk until it comes up to a slight bubble and starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and toss your chicken in with the sauce. Garnish with sliced oranges and scallions, serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I MAKE THIS EVEN QUICKER?
Yes, you can! For an even faster version, use deli-bought or frozen popcorn chicken.
One less cooking step is always great on those busy weeknights!
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF CHICKEN?
Absolutely. Feel free to use chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs according to your preference.
Since it’s homemade orange chicken, you can do what you like with it. In the end, you might find that you like it better with a different cut of chicken.
HOW TO REHEAT?
Just add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen up the orange chicken sauce and warm it over medium heat.
I’ve even used the microwave before, though that tends to make things a bit soggy.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Yes indeed! You’re making your own orange chicken, so do as you will with the flavorings!
- Orange zest for an extra citrus punch
- Sesame seeds for a nutty finish
- Green onions or scallions for a fresh garnish
- Panda Express-style pineapple chunks for sweetness
- Crunchy bell peppers for color and texture
- Extra spicy red chili flakes for heat lovers
- Broccoli or bok choy for a veggie boost
- A sprinkle of black pepper for extra seasoning
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Chow mein on the side for a complete takeout experience
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas here. I always love hearing from you!
- Brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor
- Olive oil instead of vegetable oil for frying
- Rice vinegar instead of regular for a tangier sauce
- Air fryer method for less oil and a healthier version
- Chicken stock instead of water for more flavor in the sauce
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the best taste.
Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in some orange juice and soy sauce for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Cornstarch Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the cornstarch and egg mixture for that perfect crispy coating.
- Avoid Crowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to keep them from sticking together and ensure they get golden brown.
- Sticky Sauce: Let the sauce thicken on low heat until it gets that sticky, delicious texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh orange juice if possible for the best orange flavor.
- Garnish Galore: Don’t forget to top your orange chicken with fresh scallions, sesame seeds, or even a few orange slices for that restaurant-quality look.
This Basic Orange Chicken Recipe is your ticket to a delicious, home-cooked meal that feels like a special occasion.
With its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
So, why wait for a takeout night? Grab your skillet, some fresh ingredients, and get ready to dazzle your family with the best orange chicken they’ve ever had.
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If you’ve tried this BASIC ORANGE CHICKEN RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Takeout Basic Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1 1/3 cups orange juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flake more for topping if you like
- Scallions for topping
Instructions
- Cut your chicken tenderloins into bite size pieces.1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
- In a large bowl, combine the 3 eggs and ½ cup cornstarch until smooth.3 large eggs, ½ cup cornstarch
- Add the chicken pieces to the cornstarch mixture and stir to coat.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat up about an inch of oil.Vegetable oil for frying
- Once the oil is hot add the chicken in a single layer, you may have to cook in batches.. Fry until brown on each side and cooked through (165°F).
- Remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the rest of the chicken. Discard the oil from the pan.
- In a mixing bowl combine the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes.1 1/3 cups orange juice, ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon red pepper flake
- Add the sauce to your skillet over medium heat and whisk until it comes up to a slight bubble and starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and toss your chicken in with the sauce. Garnish with sliced oranges and scallions, serve immediately.Scallions for topping
Notes
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in some orange juice and soy sauce for an hour before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Cornstarch Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the cornstarch and egg mixture for that perfect crispy coating.
- Avoid Crowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to keep them from sticking together and ensure they get golden brown.
- Sticky Sauce: Let the sauce thicken on low heat until it gets that sticky, delicious texture.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh orange juice if possible for the best orange flavor.
- Garnish Galore: Don’t forget to top your orange chicken with fresh scallions, sesame seeds, or even a few orange slices for that restaurant-quality look.
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