Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Crispy, golden chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile. While takeout is tempting, making it at home is easier than you think, and the flavor is unbeatable when you use fresh ingredients. In this recipe, I’m using Sam’s Club fresh orange juice, which gives the sauce a bright, natural sweetness and a gorgeous citrusy aroma that fills the kitchen. Bonus: it’s customizable, so you can adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want a fun cooking project, this orange chicken hits all the right notes: crispy, saucy, slightly tangy, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ cup cornstarch

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ½ cup vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
  

For the orange sauce:

• 1 cup Sam’s Club fresh orange juice

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)

• 2 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)

• Red pepper flakes, optional, for a little heat
  

For garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Sliced green onions
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Make the orange sauce
In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Combine and serve
Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Tips:

Extra Crispy Chicken: For even more crunch, bake the fried chicken in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes before tossing in the sauce.

Make it Sweet or Spicy: Adjust the sugar or honey for sweetness, or add extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken crispy.

This Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and sweet. Using fresh orange juice gives the sauce a bright, natural flavor that’s far better than store-bought alternatives. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers restaurant-style flavor without leaving your kitchen. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Enjoy your homemade orange chicken!