Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried chicken pieces tossed in a tangy orange sauce infused with fresh ginger and soy for a classic Chinese takeout favorite. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 35 minutes pairs cornstarch, for frying, about 2 cups vegetable oil, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated. Heat about 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F.
  2. Step 2: Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Toss the fried chicken in the orange glaze until evenly coated, then garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Orange Chicken with Ginger-Soy Glaze?

Chinese chinese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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