Crispy Orange Chicken Better Than at the Restaurant

Craving crispy orange chicken? Why not make it yourself, instead of going for restaurant food?

You will see how much easier this dish is to prepare than you might think! And you'll be delighted to bite into tasty pieces of chicken coated in orange sauce.

The following recipe yields 8 servings and is served with rice, crispy noodles, chow mein, or any similar side.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 lb (905 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of white pepper
• 1 cup (125 g) of cornstarch
• 3 cups (375 g) of flour
• 1 egg
• 2 ½ cups (600 mL) of water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of oil
• 6 cups (1 ½ L) of oil, for frying

Orange Sauce

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oil
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) of chili pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of minced ginger
• ¼ cup (50 g) of sugar
• ¼ cup (55 g) of brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) of orange juice
• ¼ cup (120 ml) of distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of sesame oil

Preparation

On a cutting board, cut the chicken into 1 x 1-inch (2 x 2 cm) cubes and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the salt, white pepper, cornstarch, and flour. Whisk to combine all the ingredients.

Add the egg, water, and oil to the dry ingredients until the mixture reaches a pancake batter consistency.

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Add the chicken to the batter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Heat the oil in a wok or a heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 180 °C (350 °F).

Carefully add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until it is slightly golden.

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet.

Place the heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add the oil.

Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the chili pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Add the sugar and brown sugar, then mix.

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Add the orange juice and allow the sugar and brown sugar to dissolve in the liquid, stirring occasionally.

Then add the vinegar and soy sauce and mix.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to combine the ingredients. 

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir.

Continue cooking the sauce until you reach a syrup-like consistency.

Add the fried chicken and stir until it is fully coated in the sauce.

Image source: Screenshot from Facebook / Tasty

Top with sesame oil, then serve.