Name: Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1 - 1 1/2-inch pieces); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 Tbsp finely grated orange zest ((zest of 1 1/2 fairly large oranges)); 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 0.33 cup white vinegar; 0.25 cup soy sauce; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 0.25 tsp dried ginger; 2 Tbsp grated yellow onion ((be sure to get some of the juices when measuring)); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 tsp Sriracha hot sauce ((optional)); Freshly ground black or white pepper (to taste); 1.25 cups cornstarch; 2 Tbsp cold water; 2 large eggs; Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish (optional))

If you’re craving that sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor of orange chicken, but want to skip the takeout line, you’re in the right place. This Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken recipe brings the restaurant experience right into your kitchen, without all the mystery ingredients and excess calories. With tender, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious orange sauce, you’ll find it hard to believe you made this at home. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish to impress family and friends, or just to enjoy a cozy night in. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful dish!

Top Reasons to Make Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken

Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the same great taste without the excess calories and preservatives of takeout.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your taste buds.
Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with rice and veggies for a beautiful meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients at a Glance

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 – 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp finely grated orange zest (zest of 1 1/2 fairly large oranges)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp dried ginger
2 Tbsp grated yellow onion (be sure to get some of the juices when measuring)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
Freshly ground black or white pepper, to taste
1 1/4 cups + 2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp cold water
2 large eggs
Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Gear Up: What to Grab

Large Mixing Bowls: For marinating and mixing ingredients.
Whisk: To blend the egg and cornstarch mixture smoothly.
Frying Pan or Wok: A deep pan for frying the chicken pieces evenly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Spatula or Tongs: To flip and turn the chicken while frying.

Cooking Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken: The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all that delicious orange flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 beaten egg, and a sprinkle of black or white pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, orange zest, orange juice, white vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, dried ginger, grated onion, minced garlic, and Sriracha (if using). This zesty sauce is the heart of your Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large frying pan or wok, heat about 1 inch of vegetable or peanut oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch (1 cup) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour the orange sauce mixture into the frying pan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the orange sauce.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Serve your Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch of flair.

In-Season Flavor Ideas

Add some chopped bell peppers for a colorful crunch.
Incorporate snap peas or broccoli for extra veggies.
Try adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.
Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added flavor.

Insider Tips

For extra crunch, double fry the chicken. Fry it for a few minutes, remove it, let it rest, and then fry again for a crispier texture.
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more sugar or orange juice to taste.
Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.
For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Hungry for More?

If you enjoyed making this Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken, you’ll love exploring more delicious recipes that bring global flavors to your kitchen. From comforting curries to vibrant stir-fries, the world of homemade cuisine is just a whisk away. Keep experimenting, and soon, you’ll become your own favorite takeout chef!

With a dish this good, you’ll never need to order out again! The sweet, tangy, and savory elements of this Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken make it a standout meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So roll up those sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s create something amazing together!