Golden, sticky, and bursting with bold citrus flavor, Crispy Orange Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a takeout-style twist. This dish hits all the right notes: crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a zesty, sweet-savory orange glaze, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and scallions for a bright, restaurant-worthy finish.

Whether you’re recreating your favorite Chinese takeout at home or trying something new for your dinner rotation, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The crispy coating gives way to juicy chicken, and the sauce clings to every bite for maximum flavor. It’s family-approved and surprisingly easy to make!

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the top pick for Crispy Orange Chicken because they stay juicy and tender even after frying. However, boneless chicken breasts work well too if you prefer a leaner option. Just be sure to cut them into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.

Ingredients for the Crispy Orange Chicken

Chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into bite-sized chunks, this is the base of the dish. Thighs give you juicy results, while breasts keep it lean.

Cornstarch and flour: The secret to that ultra-crispy coating. A mix of both creates the perfect crunch when fried.

Eggs: Used for dredging the chicken, helping the coating adhere properly.

Orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible): Delivers that vibrant citrus flavor the dish is known for.

Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with salty umami depth.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.

Rice vinegar: Offers acidity to balance the sauce.

Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for a bold aromatic punch.

Red chili flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a subtle kick.

Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor profile.

Green onions and sesame seeds: Garnish that adds color, texture, and an herby lift to the final dish.

How To Make the Crispy Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine cornstarch and flour. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a separate pan, add orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add the crispy chicken to the pan of orange sauce and toss to coat every piece generously. Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the saucy chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

How to Serve and Store Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken is best served fresh while the chicken is hot and crispy. Spoon it over fluffy white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also pair it with sautéed bok choy or broccoli to balance the richness with some greens.

If you’re storing leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness—microwaving tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness. Also, don’t toss the chicken in sauce until you’re ready to serve.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead?

Yes! To lighten it up, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or use your air fryer at 380°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

What can I substitute for orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but bottled will work. In a pinch, a mix of lemon juice and a splash of honey can substitute, though the flavor will be different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use store-bought orange sauce?

Absolutely, if you’re short on time. But the homemade sauce brings a fresher, more vibrant flavor to the dish that’s hard to beat.

How spicy is it?

The chili flakes add a mild kick. You can adjust or omit them depending on your heat preference.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re craving more bold and satisfying chicken recipes like this Crispy Orange Chicken, try these flavorful dishes from the blog:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine — bright, garlicky, and cozy.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta — a creamy twist perfect for pasta lovers.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli — hearty and veggie-loaded.
Garlic Chicken Lo Mein — easy, savory noodles for quick weeknights.
Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken — crunchy, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Explore these meals to keep your dinner ideas fresh and delicious!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your Crispy Orange Chicken turned out! Did you go heavy on the spice or keep it sweet? Maybe you paired it with jasmine rice or soba noodles?

I love seeing your takes on these recipes—your kitchen creativity inspires me every day. Got questions or swaps? Drop them below and let’s cook better, together.

Crispy Orange Chicken

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

A crispy, sweet, and zesty chicken dish that’s better than takeout! Each bite is packed with flavor from the golden fried coating to the sticky orange glaze. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles and easy to make at home.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and set aside.

2. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour together.

3. Dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornstarch mixture until well coated.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red chili flakes. Simmer over medium heat until thickened into a glossy sauce.

6. Add the crispy chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the orange sauce.

7. Cook together for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

9. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.