How to Make the Perfect Orange Chicken Copycat
Chinese-American · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
A crispy fried chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This homemade version rivals the famous fast food classic.
Why this recipe works
This Orange Chicken Copycat recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs then toss in cornstarch until fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch before frying.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel lined plate.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat combine orange juice soy sauce sugar orange zest rice vinegar and garlic. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir into the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated. Serve immediately over steamed rice with green onions on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → chicken breast for a leaner option
- fresh orange juice → store bought orange juice in a pinch
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar for a similar tang
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying or the chicken will steam instead of crisp
- Do not skip the cornstarch coating as it creates the essential crispy texture
- Do not let the sauce over reduce or it will become too thick and sticky
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 34g protein, 48g carbs, 18g fat, 1g fiber.
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