Knockout Orange Chicken Better Than Takeaway

Knockout orange chicken recipe Better Than Takeout

By Priya DesaiSeptember 14, 2025

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4.00 (1 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy ditching the takeaway tonight? Have you ever wanted better than takeout orange chicken ? This easy orange chicken recipe is the one.

Honestly, the sauce alone is worth making. You'll be hooked from the first bite.

Brief Overview

Orange chicken is a beloved dish with roots in Chinese American cuisine . It is basically a glorious mashup of cultures and flavors.

This recipe is mid-level tricky and takes around 45 minutes. This serves 4 people. Prepare yourself for some tasty leftovers!

Main Benefits

This homemade orange chicken recipe is a winner. It delivers a proper dose of vitamin C from the fresh orange juice.

Serve this up for a family dinner, or even a cheeky mid-week treat. What makes it special? It is fresh, flavourful, and far from the greasy stuff you get delivered.

Let's Talk Ingredients: Your Orange Chicken Shopping List

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need for this amazing orange chicken recipe. We will tackle the marinade, coating, and sauce separately so it doesn't get too overwhelming.

Don't worry, it's easier than putting up Ikea furniture!

The Secret's in the Sauce: Orange Chicken Sauce

The orange chicken sauce is the star. You'll need fresh orange juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, honey, and zest.

Don't skip the zest, it packs a citrusy punch. A little garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (optional!) round it out.

Crispy Chicken Magic: Achieving Takeout Texture at Home

Knockout Orange Chicken Better Than Takeaway presentation

To get that glorious crispy chicken , you need a good breading. We are talking flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.

Cornstarch is key for max crispiness. Dredge your marinated chicken properly, and shake off any excess. Fry it in hot oil until it is perfectly golden.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, darlings, let's talk about what you'll need for this amazing orange chicken recipe. No need to panic, most of it is probably already in your cupboards.

I know, finding all the right bits can be a proper faff, but trust me, it's worth it to create a better than takeout experience.

The Chicken Lowdown

First, the star: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Seriously, go for thighs. They stay so much juicier than breasts.

You want good quality chicken, not the watery stuff, yeah? Marinate that bad boy in 1 large egg , 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes . This helps create that restaurant quality crispy chicken . Honestly, the longer it marinates, the better!

Sauce So Good!

Now, for the orange chicken sauce , my precious. You'll need: 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice and I mean fresh , not that stuff from a carton! 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar, 1/4 cup (50g) sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (that's your slurry, for thickening).

For aromatics, grab some veg oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and optional chilli flakes. I reckon it is family friendly orange chicken .

Spices and Extras The Magic Touch

Soy sauce is crucial. It adds that umami kick. Ginger and garlic are non-negotiable. They bring the zing. I use light soy sauce.

It's less salty and doesn't overpower the orange. If you want a really good version of homemade orange chicken recipe , don't skip on fresh orange zest.

It adds such a vibrant flavor. I love a hint of red pepper flakes. Adds a cheeky little kick!

Gear Up: Your Kitchen Arsenal

No need for fancy gadgets. A large bowl for the chicken is a must. A medium bowl for the sauce.

Shallow dishes for the breading station. A large skillet or wok for frying. Tongs are your best friend when frying.

A wire rack is useful to keep your chicken extra crispy chicken . A deep fry thermometer. Keep that oil temp at 350° F ( 175° C) .

Not having one? Use a wooden spoon. If bubbles form around the spoon, the oil's ready.

Cooking Method: Frying Our Way To Orange Chicken Bliss

Honestly, who doesn't love a good orange chicken recipe? It's a staple of Chinese American cuisine. Let's face it, sometimes you just crave that sweet, tangy goodness.

My goal? To make orange chicken better than takeout ... and maybe even rival Panda Express orange chicken copycat , but, let's be real, with a bit more oomph ! Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place

First things first, get organised, yeah? We're gonna prep all the ingredients for the easy orange chicken . Chop the chicken into bite sized bits.

Whisk your marinade ingredients together. Measure out the sauce components. Get your breading station ready. It's like a cooking version of tidying up.

This saves you from flapping about later.

step-by-step Frying: Crispy Chicken Time!

Here's the main event, how to get that perfectly crispy chicken :

Marinate the chicken. At least 30 minutes in the fridge, yeah?
Set up your breading station, flour mix ready.
Coat each piece in the flour mix. Shake off the excess.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Fry in batches for 3- 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Internal temp 165° F/ 74° C .
Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Fry Game

Don't overcrowd the pan! Small batches keep the oil temp up. Fresh orange juice really makes the orange chicken sauce sing.

Adjust the sweetness and spice to your taste. Want a healthy orange chicken ? Bake the chicken instead! Though, honestly, where's the fun in that? You know, this recipe is great to make into a family friendly orange chicken or even a quick orange chicken dinner .

Also, you might try to make orange chicken with rice and it would be great!

Recipe Notes: Ace Your Orange Chicken, Mate!

Alright, so you're about to tackle this easy orange chicken recipe. Brilliant! But before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll help you nail it.

This orange chicken recipe is all about those little details.

Serving Up a Treat!

Plating and Presentation Ideas : Think about making it look proper posh. A bed of fluffy rice, the crispy chicken piled high, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a few fresh green onions.

Boom! Restaurant worthy. Honestly, presentation is half the battle.

Complementary Sides or Beverages : Steamed broccoli or some stir fried noodles go down a treat. As for drinks? A light lager or even a fizzy lemonade does the trick.

I reckon it's something easy enough to bring everyone to the table for a family friendly orange chicken

Storing Like a Pro

Refrigeration Guidelines : Got leftovers? No worries. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be grand for about 3 days. Don't leave them out on the counter, yeah?

Freezing Options (if applicable) : Okay, freezing fried chicken is a bit of a gamble. The crispy chicken can get a bit soggy.

The orange chicken sauce , though, freezes like a dream. Just freeze it separately in a freezer bag.

Reheating Instructions : Microwaving is the easiest, but not the best for crispy chicken . I suggest reheating in the oven.

Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. It helps a bit with the crisp factor.

Orange Chicken Variations : Tweak It Your Way!

1-2 Dietary Adaptations : Fancy a healthier version of Chinese American cuisine ? Try baking the chicken instead of frying. It won't be quite as crispy chicken , but it cuts down on the fat.

For a gluten-free orange chicken , swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce in the orange chicken sauce .

Simple!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In winter, clementines can be a nice substitute for oranges. Adds a little extra festive cheer!

Orange Chicken Calories and More: Nitty Gritty Nutrition

Simplified Nutrition Information : Roughly, one serving is around 550 calories. This orange chicken calories calculation has about 35g of protein, 25g of fat, and 45g of carbs.

But, this is just an estimate!

Key Health Benefits : Chicken's a good source of protein. Oranges give you a vitamin C boost. It's all about balance, innit? It might not be the most virtuous thing on the menu, but it's a darn sight tastier than a kale smoothie.

So there you have it! My two pennies worth. Now, go forth and conquer that orange chicken recipe ! I reckon you'll find it's better than takeout .

This is the perfect quick orange chicken dinner and will soon become a part of your weekly plans. Enjoy. And don't forget to let me know how it turns out!

Crispy Orange Chicken Better Than Takeout Secret

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make sure my orange chicken recipe turns out extra crispy, like the takeaway?

Crispy chicken is all about technique! Firstly, don't overcrowd the pan when frying work in batches to keep the oil temperature up. Secondly, double frying the chicken (frying once, letting it rest, then frying again briefly) gives it that extra crunch.

Finally, ensure you're using a good quality vegetable oil at the correct temperature (around 350°F/175°C). A wire rack will keep the chicken crispy while draining any excess oil. It's a bit like making chips; the principles are the same!

My orange chicken sauce is too sour! How can I fix it?

A sour sauce is a common issue, but easily fixable! The key is to balance the acidity. Start by adding a little more sugar (a teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired sweetness level. A touch more honey can also round out the flavour.

If it's still too sour, a tiny pinch of baking soda can help neutralise the acid. Think of it like adjusting the balance in a cocktail a little tweak can make all the difference.

Can I make this orange chicken recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some components in advance to save time. The orange sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time. However, it's best to fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

If you do need to reheat leftovers, an air fryer can help revive some of that crunch.

What are some healthy swaps I can make in this orange chicken recipe?

If you're watching your waistline but still craving orange chicken, there are some simple swaps you can make. Consider baking the chicken instead of frying for a lower fat option. Use brown sugar or a sugar substitute in the sauce to reduce sugar intake.

You could also serve it with cauliflower rice instead of white rice to cut down on carbohydrates. This dish can be modified to suit your needs without sacrificing too much flavour!

I'm gluten-free. How do I adapt this orange chicken recipe?

Making gluten-free orange chicken is perfectly achievable! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the chicken coating. Be sure to also use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari or coconut aminos in both the marinade and the sauce.

Double check all your other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this classic dish without any gluten concerns.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this orange chicken recipe?

Absolutely, chicken breasts can be used! However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs, so it's crucial not to overcook them. Cut the chicken breasts into similar sized pieces as you would the thighs, and be vigilant during the frying process.

You might also consider slightly shortening the frying time to prevent them from drying out. Marinating will also help keep the chicken moist during cooking.