Easy Orange Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
If your family loves takeout as much as mine does, this easy orange chicken recipe is about to become a weeknight favorite! It’s sweet, tangy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. No deep fryer required. My boys asked for orange chicken the other night, and instead of ordering in (again), I decided to recreate it at home. Spoiler: it was a total win.
Homemade orange chicken might sound complicated, but trust me this recipe is quick, simple, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry/fridge. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Chicken:
– Made in under 30 minutes
– No fancy ingredients
– Crispy chicken coated in a sticky-sweet orange glaze
– Perfect over rice or noodles
– A fun twist on your favorite takeout, made at home!
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt & pepper to taste
2–3 tablespoon oil for frying
For the orange sauce:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for balance)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Cook the chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, lemon juice, garlic powder, and ginger. Pour into the same skillet and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine:
Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss until fully coated in the orange glaze.
Serve:
Over hot rice or noodles, topped with sesame seeds or green onions if you’re feeling fancy!
Tips for Success:
Use fresh orange juice for extra flavor.
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too.
Want it spicy? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Tried it? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow @kosherinthekitch on Instagram for MORE quick & tasty recipes.
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