Description
Fried Chicken with a Sweet and Sticky Orange Sauce features crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a luscious glaze made from fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and citrusy sweetness, ideal for serving with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add chili paste.
- To make the chicken extra crispy, double-fry it by returning it to the hot oil for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Can be made ahead by frying the chicken and preparing the sauce separately, then combining just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: fried chicken orange sauce, sticky orange chicken, crispy chicken with citrus glaze