Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken pieces tossed in a zesty and sweet orange sauce, delivering a perfect balance of tang and crunch. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends cornstarch, all-purpose flour, for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Dredge 1 lb chicken thigh chunks thoroughly in the mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp water) and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until well coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce?

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 Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce 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 Orange Chicken Glazed with Tangy Citrus Sauce?

Chinese chicken 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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