If you have a craving for something sweet, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy, look no further than this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe. It perfectly balances a crispy, golden coating with a luscious, vibrant orange glaze that bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing friends, this dish transforms simple chicken thighs into a dazzling centerpiece that’s both comforting and exciting. From the first crackle of frying to the final garnish, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with small pieces of raw pink chicken, topped with a thick layer of white flour powder. The chicken pieces are spread evenly under the flour, showing some parts through the soft white layer. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the texture of the chicken and flour clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

As with any great dish, the magic lies in the ingredients. These simple essentials each play a crucial role, adding texture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden hue that makes this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe so appealing.

Plain (all-purpose) flour: Creates the base of the batter, ensuring a light, crispy crust.
Egg: Binds the batter ingredients together for perfect coating adhesion.
Garlic salt: Adds a subtle savory kick right from the start.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Cold water: Thins the batter to just the right consistency for coating.
Chicken thigh fillets: Tender and juicy, chopped into bite-size pieces for easy eating.
Cornflour (cornstarch): Helps give the chicken a wonderfully crisp finish.
Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring an even and golden crust.
Juice of 2 large oranges: The heart of the sauce, lending bright citrus flavor.
Zest of half an orange: Intensifies the orange aroma and adds fresh texture.
Caster sugar: Balances the tang with just the right amount of sweetness.
Soy sauce: Brings that savory, umami depth to the glaze.
Minced garlic: Adds a warm, fragrant foundation for the sauce.
Minced ginger: Introduces a slight spicy note that cuts through the sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tanginess that brightens the overall flavor.
Cornflour slurry (optional): Used to thicken the sauce to a perfect glossy finish.
Boiled rice: The perfect bed for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Sesame seeds: A final nutty crunch and a pretty garnish to finish.

How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by combining plain flour, egg, garlic salt, a pinch of salt and pepper, and cold water in a large bowl. Whisk it together until you achieve a thick, smooth batter that will cling to each piece of chicken. If the batter feels too stiff, add a bit more water, but aim for that perfect coating consistency that brings out maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place your chopped chicken thighs in a separate bowl and sprinkle them with cornflour. Toss well to ensure every chunk is lightly dusted. Then, add the chicken to your batter, stirring gently so each piece is generously coated and ready for frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a wok or large frying pan and heat it over medium-high until it’s hot enough to sizzle when you add a bit of batter. This step is key to getting that golden, crispy crust everyone loves in a Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce

While the oil heats, whisk together fresh orange juice and zest, caster sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Set this vibrant mix aside to later transform your crispy chicken with its sweet, tangy brilliance.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, adding the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil individually. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through. Place the fried chicken on kitchen paper to drain between batches. Keep the oil lively and hot for that perfect crisp.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce

After frying, carefully dispose of most of the oil, reduce the heat to medium, and pour in your prepared orange sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil, then let it simmer until slightly thickened. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry while keeping the sauce moving to avoid lumps.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece in the glossy orange glaze. Using a spatula to lift and turn the chicken helps get every chunk evenly smothered in sauce, creating that signature look and flavor of your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the saucy chicken over a bed of fluffy boiled rice, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch. This dish is a true celebration of texture and flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with golden brown fried cauliflower pieces covered in a shiny, thick, reddish-brown sauce sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The bowl in the front is the focus and also contains a white rice bed beneath the cauliflower, partially visible on one side, with a bright orange wedge placed next to the food. The background has a white marbled texture, with the second bowl slightly blurred behind, also full of the same saucy cauliflower. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over your orange chicken adds an eye-catching crunch and nuttiness. Freshly chopped spring onions or coriander leaves can also brighten the dish, adding pops of green and fresh aroma that complement the sweet, tangy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

A classic pairing is steamed jasmine or basmati rice that soaks up the zesty sauce perfectly. For a bit more substance, steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers bring color, crunch, and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps, offering a fresh crunch alongside the savory tangy chicken. Another playful presentation is stacking the chicken atop a bed of crispy noodles, adding texture contrast and visual flair that will impress any dinner guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover orange chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken crisps may soften slightly, but reheating can bring back much of that satisfying texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken pieces and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. This helps maintain the best texture when you reheat. They’ll keep for up to 2 months stored properly.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce looks too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through. For extra crispness, you can finish the chicken under a broiler or in a hot oven for a few minutes after saucing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when fried. Breast meat can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook it to keep the chicken succulent.

Is cornflour the same as cornstarch?

Yes! Cornflour and cornstarch are the same product in many regions, and you can use them interchangeably in this recipe to achieve that perfect crispy coating and thickened sauce.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Absolutely. Feel free to reduce the sugar to your taste or add a splash more rice vinegar to ramp up the tanginess while keeping the balance of flavors intact.

Is it necessary to deep fry the chicken?

While deep frying yields the crispiest results, shallow frying in plenty of oil works well too if you don’t have a deep fryer. Just make sure to turn the chicken frequently to cook evenly and achieve that golden crust.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. This keeps the recipe accessible without compromising on that irresistible crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that never fails to impress. From the crunchy chicken crust to the vibrant, tangy sauce, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and introduce a burst of sunshine and crunch to your dinner table. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!