Sticky Orange Chicken is a perfect balance of crispy fried chicken and a rich, tangy citrus glaze. This homemade version lets you control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. The double coating gives the chicken an irresistible crunch, while the sauce brings a burst of fresh orange flavor with hints of garlic, honey, and soy sauce. It’s a takeout classic made even better at home.
Fun Fact
Orange chicken isn’t a traditional Chinese dish. It was created in the U.S. and popularized by Panda Express in the 1980s. Since then, it has become a global favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Oil for frying
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
How to Make Sticky Orange Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Mix the cornstarch and flour in a bowl. Dip the chicken pieces into the dry mixture, then into the beaten egg, and coat them once more with the flour mixture. This double coating ensures the chicken gets extra crispy when fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about four to five minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a pan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for about five minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will start to thicken into a sticky glaze. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Add the crispy fried chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Let it cook for an additional two minutes so the flavors absorb into the chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Best Way to Eat
Sticky Orange Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a fun variation, try serving it in lettuce wraps or alongside crispy spring rolls.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a pan over medium-low heat instead of a microwave to maintain crispiness. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.