Easy Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe – A Budget-Friendly Favorite

I absolutely love a good old-fashioned orange chicken with fried rice from Panda Express. That sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce paired with crispy fried chicken just hits the spot every time. You know what I don’t love? The price.

Life in 2025 is expensive, and eating out can really add up. That’s why this homemade chicken recipe is a game-changer—it satisfies your cravings while saving you money and feeding the whole family. Plus, you can control the ingredients, making it fresher and healthier than fast food.

This orange chicken recipe is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavor. With crispy battered chicken and a rich, tangy orange sauce, you’ll never want to go back to takeout. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Costs less than takeout and feeds more people.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
• Crispy & Flavorful: Golden fried chicken with a sticky, tangy orange sauce.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and sweetness to your taste.

If you love planning ahead, consider adding this dish to your weekly meal rotation! My Meal Planning Made Simple post will help you organize dinners efficiently so you’re never stuck wondering what to cook.

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Ingredients Breakdown

The Batter

• 1 1/2 cups flour – Provides structure and crispiness.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch – Helps create a light and crispy coating.
• 2 cups water – Thins the batter to the right consistency.
• 1 egg – Adds structure and helps the batter adhere to the chicken.
• Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper (to taste) – Seasonings enhance flavor. These can be adjusted or omitted based on preference.

The Chicken

• 3 large chicken thighs – Thighs stay juicy and tender when fried.
• Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper (to taste) – More seasoning for the chicken itself.
• Frying oil (about 3-4 cups) – Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying.

The Orange Sauce

• 1 tbsp oil – Helps sauté the aromatics.
• Chili flakes (to taste) – Adds a touch of heat.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp minced ginger – Gives a warm, spicy note.
• 1/2 cup sugar & 1/2 cup brown sugar – Balances out the acidity and adds caramelized flavor.
• 1/2 cup orange juice – The key ingredient for the classic orange flavor.
• 1/2 cup white vinegar – Adds tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness.
• 1 tbsp water + 1 tbsp cornstarch – Thickens the sauce.

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Essential Kitchen Tools

To make this chicken recipe successfully, you’ll need:

• Dutch oven or deep fryer – For perfectly crispy fried chicken.
• Mixing bowls – For batter and seasoning.
• Whisk – To combine the batter and sauce ingredients.
• Slotted spoon or tongs – For handling the fried chicken.
• Paper towels – For draining excess oil.

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How to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes for bite-sized pieces.
2. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, water, egg, and seasonings until smooth.
2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces into the batter and mix until fully coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 3-4 cups of oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
2. Add chili flakes and cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.
3. Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
4. Add sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, vinegar, and soy sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp water with 1 tbsp cornstarch until dissolved.
6. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

1. Toss the crispy chicken in the thickened orange sauce until fully coated.
2. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Looking for more easy meal ideas? Check out my Easy Dinner Ideas: 7 Simple Meals for Stress-Free Nights post for inspiration on quick and delicious meals!

Give this orange chicken recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Enjoy!