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Homemade Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
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Homemade Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

Crispy double-fried chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce—this homemade orange chicken is a takeout fake-out classic that’s even better than the restaurant version!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

For The Sauce

  • 3/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice you can use store bought but fresh is best!
  • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 tsp Chili Crisp in Oil optional for some heat

For the Chicken and Batter

  • 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs if you wish to use breasts, use 3
  • 1/2 Cup Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp All Purpose Flour
  • 1/3 Cup Water
  • 1 Egg White
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

For Frying and Finishing

  • Canola Oil enough for about 2 inches in a deep pot
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Cold Water
  • Sesame Seeds and Sliced Green Onions for Garnish optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger paste, garlic paste, and chili crisp. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, water, egg white, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until thick and smooth (it will be slightly stiff). Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
  • Heat 2 inches of canola oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Drop chicken pieces in batches, stirring gently so they don’t stick together. Fry for 7–8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
  • Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Return chicken to the oil in batches and fry for another 1½–2 minutes, or until deep golden brown and extra crispy. Drain on the wire rack again.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the prepared sauce. Stir in a slurry made with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve immediately over steamed white rice with broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Tips, Variations & Extras

  • Spice Control: Omit chili crisp for a mild dish, or add extra for a fiery kick. You could also stir in red pepper flakes.
  • Chicken Options: Use breast instead of thighs, or even swap in shrimp or tofu for variety.
  • Meal Prep Tip: The chicken stays crisp if you fry it ahead and sauce it just before serving. Store fried chicken pieces in the fridge, then re-crisp in the oven or air fryer.
  • Reheating: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.