Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe: The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  If you've ever craved the vibrant flavors of your favorite take out, but with the comfort and control of a homemade meal, this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need.   

Juicy, crispy chicken is coated in a glossy, tangy, and sweet orange sauce that will have you taste buds dancing with delight.  It's quick, easy, and delivers that restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ORANGE CHICKEN RECIPE:

• Authentic Flavor:  This recipe delivers the authentic taste of orange chicken, balancing the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly.  
• Quick and Easy:  Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.
• Healthier Option:  By making it at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier meal without the added sodium and preservatives.  
• Versatile:  Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love.  

INGREDIENTS:

For this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe you will need to gather a few simple ingredients:  

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb Chicken Tenderloins, cubed
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• Green Onion, sliced
• Sesame Seeds

For the Sauce:

• 1 c Chicken Broth
• 1/2 c Orange Juice
• 1/2 c Sugar
• 1/3 c Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 c Soy Sauce
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 Orange (optional)
• 2 tsp Sriracha (or to taste)
• 1 tsp Ground Ginger
• Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Marinade:  In a small mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, orange juice, sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest sriracha, ginger, salt, and pepper.  Whisk it all together.  Pour 1 cup of the sauce mixture into another dish.  
2. Marinate the Chicken:  Add the chicken breast pieces to the bowl of marinade.  Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 
3. Prepare the Sauce:  While the chicken is marinating, add the cup of reserved marinade to a sauce pan.  Add 2 Tbsp of cornstarch and whisk together until smooth.  Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer.  Simmer, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.  If you feel it is too thick add a little more water or orange juice.  
4. Cook the Chicken:  Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet and place over high heat.  Allow it to get hot.  While the oil is heating remove the chicken from the refrigerator.  Drain from marinade.  Shake off any excess and place in a shallow pan of cornstarch that has been seasoned with salt and pepper.  Make sure the chicken is well coated in cornstarch and place in the skillet.  Cook for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.  You are looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.  This will need to be done in batches.  Once fully cooked place on a paper towel lined plate.
5. Sauce the Chicken:  Place the cooked chicken in a bowl.  Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until its all even coated.  
6. Serve:  Serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies.  Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THE BEST ORANGE CHICKEN:

• Crispy Chicken :  To achieve the crispiest chicken, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying.  The chicken should sizzle as soon as it hits the oil.
• Zesting the Orange:  Use a microplane to zest your orange, avoiding the bitter white pith for the best flavor. 
• Make it Spicy:  If you enjoy spice, add extra red chili flakes to the sauce.  
• Meal Prep:  The orange sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making this meal even quicker to throw together.  

FAQs:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely!  Chicken thighs will add an extra level of juiciness to the dish. 

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?  

Yes!  For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F  for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.  

This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe is a game changer.  It's a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will transport you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.  Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.  

So what are you waiting for?  Grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all
~The Kitchen Wife~