Print

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Sweet Tangy Glaze

crispy orange chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy orange chicken with a sweet tangy glaze that balances crispiness and bright citrus flavors, perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ½ cup cold water
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • About 2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 1.5 inch bite-sized chunks and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with cold water. Slowly add wet mixture to dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and thick enough to coat chicken.
  4. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Dip chicken pieces into batter, letting excess drip off, and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  6. While frying, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat.
  7. Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into simmering sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy.
  8. Transfer fried chicken to a large bowl, pour warm glaze over, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to keep oil temperature steady and chicken crispy. Use cornstarch in batter for a light, crackly crust. Let batter rest a few minutes before dipping chicken. Toss chicken in glaze just before serving to maintain crunch. If glaze thickens too much, whisk in a splash of water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy orange chicken, sweet tangy glaze, easy dinner, homemade orange chicken, quick chicken recipe, weeknight meal, crispy chicken, orange zest glaze

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-sweet-tangy-glaze/