Description

Discover a simple and delicious Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a vibrant, tangy, and sweet orange sauce made from natural ingredients. This comforting yet exciting dish balances freshness and warmth with bold flavors, perfect for family meals or any day you want to enjoy a flavorful homemade favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Pinch of salt
Neutral oil, for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Orange Sauce

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest (fresh)
3 tablespoons natural soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons natural brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a mixture of cornstarch or arrowroot powder and a pinch of salt to evenly coat the chicken, which will create a light, crispy exterior when fried.
Make the Orange Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the natural gelling agent until well combined to form a balanced sweet, tangy, and savory sauce.
Cook the Chicken: Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until each piece is golden brown and crispy on the outside and thoroughly cooked inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Combine and Thicken: Pour the prepared orange sauce into the same skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken to a glossy consistency thanks to the natural gelling agent. Return the fried chicken to the skillet and gently toss to fully coat each piece with the rich sauce without losing the crispy texture.
Serve Hot: Transfer the coated Orange Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy immediately while warm and flavorful.

Notes

Even Coating: Toss chicken in the starch mixture just before frying to keep the coating light and crispy.
Fresh Zest: Use fresh orange zest instead of pre-packaged for a brighter, more fragrant sauce.
Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat during frying for a perfect crunch without burning.
Stir Gently: Toss chicken with sauce gently to preserve crispiness.
Make Ahead Sauce: Prepare the orange sauce in advance and refrigerate to save time and enhance flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: orange chicken, crispy chicken, homemade orange sauce, easy chicken recipe, gluten free orange chicken, plant-based sauce