Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Published: April 13, 2025

by Emma Taylor

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There’s something magical about biting into a piece of crispy orange chicken. The crunchiness combined with a sweet and tangy sauce creates a party in your mouth! You can practically hear the joyous “yum” echoing from every corner of the dining room as you serve it up.

Jump to:

<strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
<strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
<strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
<strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
<strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
<strong>FAQ</strong>
Can I use frozen chicken for this crispy orange chicken recipe?
What can I serve with crispy orange chicken?
How do I achieve extra crispiness in my chicken?
📖 Recipe Card

This crispy orange chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience! It brings back memories of that one time I tried to impress my friends with my cooking skills (spoiler alert: they were impressed). Imagine the vibrant aroma wafting through your kitchen, making everyone wonder what’s cooking. Perfect for cozy dinners or lively gatherings, this dish promises to steal the show every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This crispy orange chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze.
The balance of flavors—from sweet to tangy—will leave you craving more.
Visually appealing with its bright colors, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles!

I remember serving this dish at my sister’s birthday party and watching her friends devour it like they hadn’t eaten in days—it was a hit!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor; they hold up beautifully in cooking.
All-Purpose Flour: This creates that irresistible crunch when fried; don’t skimp on coating!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it gives the sauce a bright and vibrant flavor.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing umami notes.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh minced ginger and garlic add depth and aromatic qualities that elevate the dish.
Cornstarch: This helps achieve that perfect crisp on the chicken when frying.
Green Onions: Chopped as a garnish; they add freshness and color that brightens up the dish.
Sesame Oil: A small splash adds a nutty finish that complements the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preparation of the Chicken: Start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels—the drier the better for crispiness! In a bowl, toss the chunks with flour until evenly coated.

Marinating Magic: In another bowl, mix together soy sauce, fresh orange juice, minced ginger, and garlic. Add the flour-coated chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (but if you can wait longer, do it!).

The Frying Frenzy Begins!: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add marinated chicken pieces in batches—don’t overcrowd! Fry each batch until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes).

Creating That Lip-Smacking Sauce!: While you fry your last batch of chicken, combine leftover marinade in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer until thickened slightly. Stir in cornstarch dissolved in water for that extra glossy finish.

Tossing it All Together!: Once all your chicken is fried and left on paper towels to drain excess oil, toss them gently in your prepared sauce until evenly coated.

Finishing Touches!: Serve your crispy orange chicken hot on a platter garnished with chopped green onions and sesame oil drizzle for an added flair.

Enjoy diving into this delicious explosion of flavors while reminiscing about how you have become an expert chef overnight!

You Must Know

This crispy orange chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bursting with vibrant flavors.
The balance of sweet and savory makes it irresistible.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. Finish by tossing everything together for a harmonious blend of taste and texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with spices like ginger or chili flakes to kick up the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to retain crispiness, adding a splash of orange juice if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly crispy chicken, ensure it’s dry before cooking; moisture leads to sogginess.
Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and consider double-breading for extra crunch.
Always taste your sauce before combining everything to adjust sweetness or tanginess.

Creating my first crispy orange chicken was an adventure! Friends devoured it so fast that I barely got a taste myself, but their smiles said it all.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this crispy orange chicken recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.

What can I serve with crispy orange chicken?

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal experience.

How do I achieve extra crispiness in my chicken?

Double-coating the chicken with flour and cornstarch ensures maximum crispiness when frying.