Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces: 1.5 lbs
- Cornstarch: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil: 2 cups (for frying)
- Orange Juice: 1 cup
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon
- Ginger, minced: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (for garnish)
- Green Onions, chopped: 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off excess.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Step 3: In a separate saucepan, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, orange zest, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Step 4: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.
- Step 6: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with rice.
Notes
- Store leftover crispy orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but be aware it will lose some crispness.
- Reheat the chicken in a single layer in an air fryer or oven to help it regain some of its original crispiness.
- Serve over fluffy white rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.
- For extra flavorful chicken, marinate the dredged chicken in the dry mixture for 30 minutes before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American