Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Fried Air Fryer Baked

This homemade orange chicken recipe is crispy, sticky, sweet, and tangy. It tastes better than takeout and you don’t need to leave your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that hits every craving: crunchy coating, bold citrus flavor, and a perfect balance of sweet and heat. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the classic fried version, a fast air fryer method, a healthy baked option, and even a Panda Express-style twist. This is your one-stop recipe for every orange chicken craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners
  
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have
  
• Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside with a bold orange flavor
  
• Easily adjustable for spice, sweetness, or dietary needs
  
• Feels like your favorite takeout, but homemade and fresher
  

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken stays tender while the coating turns golden and crisp. The sauce brings that familiar sweet and tangy punch without being too heavy. It’s the kind of meal that comforts you after a long day, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients Needed

For the Crispy Chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small chunks
  Chicken breast stays firm with a crispy outer layer. For juicier meat, you can swap with thighs.
• Eggs beaten
  Acts as a binder to help the coating stick to the chicken.
• Cornstarch and flour equal parts
  This combo gives the perfect crispy crust. Cornstarch adds crunch while flour keeps the texture balanced.
• Salt
  A small pinch brings out the flavor in both the chicken and coating.
• Neutral oil for frying such as canola or vegetable
  These oils have high smoke points, making them ideal for frying.

For the Sweet and Tangy Orange Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
  Gives the sauce a bright, natural citrus punch. Fresh juice tastes cleaner than bottled.
• White sugar
  Balances the acidity and creates the signature sticky texture.
• Rice vinegar or white vinegar
  Adds the sour element that sharpens the flavor contrast.
• Soy sauce or tamari if gluten-free
  Brings saltiness and umami depth to the sauce.
• Ground ginger and garlic powder or fresh garlic
  Add aromatic warmth and depth. Use fresh garlic for a stronger kick.
• Red chili flakes
  Just enough to give a light heat without overwhelming the sauce. Adjust to taste.
• Orange zest
  Boosts the orange flavor and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)
  Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken evenly without turning watery.

For Garnish

• Green onions
  Add freshness and color contrast right before serving.
• Extra orange zest
  For a final punch of citrus aroma and brightness on the plate.

How to Make Orange Chicken

1. Make the Orange Sauce
Pour the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes into a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and let it warm for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this mixture into the saucepan while whisking. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once it reaches this point, remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix well. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Take each chicken piece and dip it first into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Set them aside on a plate.

3. Fry the Chicken
Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 to 3 inches of oil and place over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil and wait until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once hot, carefully add a few pieces of chicken at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all chicken is fried.

4. Combine and Serve
Place the fried chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. If you like, reserve some sauce to drizzle over rice. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a bit of fresh orange zest for extra flavor and color.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken (The Easiest Method)

1. Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into small chunks. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat it fully in the flour mixture. Place the coated pieces on a clean tray.

2. Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overlapping. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

3. Cook the Chicken
Spray the top of the chicken pieces with a little oil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside.

4. Add the Sauce
Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot with your favorite sides like steamed rice or vegetables.

Healthy Baked Orange Chicken (A Lighter Option)

1. Coat the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then into the dry mix until fully coated. Set aside on a lined baking sheet.

2. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil to help them crisp up.

3. Bake Until Crisp
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure both sides brown evenly. The coating should turn golden and slightly crisp.

4. Toss in Sauce
Once the chicken is baked and fully cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the top and gently toss until coated. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro-Tips for the Crispiest Chicken

• Always fry in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping
  
• Use cornstarch in your coating mix for a lighter and crunchier texture
  
• Make sure your oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit before frying
  
• Do not overcrowd the pot or air fryer basket
  
• Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the crust stick better
  
• Avoid patting the chicken dry after frying to keep the crispy coating intact
  

Variations and Substitutions

How to Make it Spicy
Add extra red chili flakes or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce for more heat. You can also drizzle with hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.

How to Make it Gluten-Free
Replace the soy sauce with tamari and use only cornstarch in the coating instead of flour. Make sure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

What to Serve with Orange Chicken

Orange chicken pairs well with a variety of sides that balance its sweet and tangy flavor. Here are some great options to complete your meal:

• Steamed white rice to soak up the extra sauce
  
• Fried rice for a richer, more filling side
  
• Stir-fried noodles with vegetables for added texture
  
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh and crunchy contrast
  
• Egg rolls or dumplings if you’re building a full takeout-style spread

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

To Store
Place leftover orange chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for three to four days.

To Freeze
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to three months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately if possible.

To Reheat
Use an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispy texture. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.

Conclusion

This orange chicken recipe delivers crispy bites of juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that tastes better than takeout. With three cooking options including fried, air-fried, and baked, it’s perfect for any home cook looking for flexibility and full flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction every time.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback helps others and supports this site. Share your version on social media and tag us so we can see it. What twist did you try? Spicy, gluten-free, or air fryer? Tell us in the comments.

For another sweet delight, try Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

The Best Orange Chicken Recipe

Ella

Crispy, sweet, and tangy orange chicken made at home. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors with fried, air fryer, and healthy baked options in one easy recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small bite-sized chunks
• 3 large eggs beaten until smooth
• 1 third cup cornstarch
• 1 third cup all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Neutral oil for frying such as canola or vegetable oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice for the best flavor
• Half cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari if gluten-free
• One quarter teaspoon ground ginger
• One quarter teaspoon garlic powder or two garlic cloves finely minced
• Half teaspoon red chili flakes for a slight kick
• Zest of one fresh orange
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken the sauce

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Extra orange zest for brightness and color

Instructions

 

Make the Orange Sauce

• Pour the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes into a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat and let it warm for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this mixture into the saucepan while whisking. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once it reaches this point, remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange zest. Set aside.

Prepare the Chicken Coating

• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix well. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Take each chicken piece and dip it first into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Set them aside on a plate.

Fry the Chicken

• Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 to 3 inches of oil and place over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil and wait until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once hot, carefully add a few pieces of chicken at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all chicken is fried.

Combine and Serve

• Place the fried chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the top and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. If you like, reserve some sauce to drizzle over rice. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a bit of fresh orange zest for extra flavor and color.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 28g

Keyword Easy Chicken Dinner, Orange Chicken Recipe

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