Satisfy Your Orange Chicken Craving: Homemade Goodness Awaits

For what felt like an eternity, the irresistible thought of Orange Chicken lingered in my mind. That perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory, complemented by tender, crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy, vibrant sauce – it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s hard to ignore. While the immediate urge might be to head to your favorite local Asian eatery for takeout, for those of us residing in more remote locations (like my desert abode, a full 20-mile drive one way from any decent spot!), it’s far from a convenient option. This geographic challenge often fuels my passion for recreating beloved restaurant dishes right in my own kitchen.

Thankfully, a well-stocked pantry is my secret weapon, empowering me to transform takeout cravings into delicious homemade realities. This particular Orange Chicken recipe is a testament to that philosophy, demonstrating that you never have to compromise on quality or authentic flavor when you choose to cook at home. A special thank you goes to Success® Rice for sponsoring this post, as their products play a pivotal role in making such ambitious home-cooked meals surprisingly simple and stress-free.

The Unbeatable Advantages of Homemade Orange Chicken

Opting for homemade Orange Chicken over its takeout counterpart brings a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond simply avoiding a long drive. The primary advantage lies in the complete control you gain over the ingredients. This means you can choose high-quality, fresh chicken breasts, avoid unwanted additives like MSG, and precisely adjust the levels of sugar and sodium to align with your dietary preferences and health goals. Crafting your sauce with fresh orange zest and juice ensures a vibrant, authentic flavor that often surpasses commercial versions.

Secondly, the economic benefits of cooking this dish at home are substantial. Takeout meals, especially for families, can quickly add up. By preparing Orange Chicken from scratch, you can feed a larger household for a fraction of the restaurant cost, making it a budget-friendly solution for regular weeknight dinners or even special celebrations. This recipe is intentionally designed to be a crowd-pleaser, beloved by both adults and children alike. It’s so good, in fact, that it became my son Isaac’s special birthday dinner request this year!

Finally, there’s an immense sense of satisfaction that accompanies preparing a cherished dish from the ground up. The enticing aroma of the sweet and tangy orange sauce simmering, the satisfying sizzle of the chicken crisping to perfection, and the sheer joy of serving a meal you’ve lovingly created all contribute to a more profound and enjoyable dining experience. It transforms your kitchen into a personal culinary studio, brimming with endless delicious possibilities.

The Perfect Pairing: Fluffy, Foolproof Rice with Success® Rice

A truly authentic Orange Chicken experience isn’t complete without a side of perfectly cooked, fluffy rice. For those perpetually busy weeknights, or when you’re hosting friends and family, having intelligent kitchen shortcuts is absolutely invaluable. I firmly believe in utilizing ingredients that streamline the cooking process without ever compromising on the crucial elements of taste or quality. This is precisely where Success® Rice becomes an indispensable part of my culinary arsenal, standing proudly alongside other convenient meal helpers like pre-washed bagged salads and gourmet jarred sauces.

Effortless Rice Preparation, Every Time

Success® Jasmine Rice is a standout product, uniquely positioned as the only boil-in-bag Jasmine rice available on the market. It boasts an exquisite buttery, nutty fragrance and wonderfully silky, separate grains that elevate any meal. The true magic, however, lies in its unparalleled speed and simplicity: it consistently delivers fully cooked, perfect rice in a mere 10 minutes! The innovative pre-portioned, BPA-free boil-in-bag design completely eliminates kitchen mess and the need for fussy measuring, guaranteeing a consistent, flawless result with every use. Whether you opt for the aromatic Jasmine, hearty Whole Grain Brown, or classic White rice varieties, Success® Rice proves to be consistently perfect.

A particularly valuable feature for busy cooks is its impressive holding time. Both the brown and white rice varieties can be prepared up to 30 minutes in advance and remain warm and ready to serve, offering significant flexibility to coordinate your entire meal preparation without a last-minute rush. It truly is a foolproof solution for perfectly cooked rice.

Explore a World of Flavors with Success® Rice Varieties

Success® Rice prides itself on offering a diverse and versatile range of four distinct varieties, meticulously crafted to cater to every culinary preference and global cuisine. You can choose from the wholesome goodness of Success® Whole Grain Brown Rice, the timeless versatility of Success® White Rice, or delve into the globally-inspired aromatic options such as the intensely fragrant Thai Jasmine Rice or the elegantly long-grained Basmati Rice. Each specific type contributes its unique texture and flavor profile to enhance your dishes:

• Success® Jasmine Rice: Its delicate aroma and tender grains make it an impeccable match for a wide array of Asian-themed dishes, including our delectable Orange Chicken.
• Success® Basmati Rice: With its distinct nutty flavor and long, slender grains, it is the quintessential accompaniment for rich and aromatic Indian-themed meals.
• Success® Whole Grain Brown Rice: Offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor, perfect for health-conscious meals or as a hearty base for grain bowls.
• Success® White Rice: A classic, versatile choice that complements virtually any dish, absorbing flavors beautifully.

With the exceptional convenience and unwavering quality of Success® Rice, effortlessly embarking on a delicious culinary journey with your family at mealtime has never been simpler or more enjoyable. It truly empowers you to bring global flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort.

The Ultimate Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite for Life

Forget the compromises of takeout; this homemade Orange Chicken recipe is not just good, it’s a guaranteed showstopper that will earn a permanent spot in your family’s recipe rotation. It has quickly become one of the most requested weeknight meals in our household, a true testament to its irresistible appeal. This is the dinner my son Isaac requested for his birthday this year – high praise indeed! I am absolutely confident that once you experience the crispy chicken and vibrant sauce of this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite in your home too. Get ready to ditch the delivery menus for good!

Orange Chicken (Better Than Panda Express)

This recipe delivers a truly exceptional homemade Orange Chicken – perfectly crispy chicken pieces tossed in a vibrant, sweet, tangy, and savory orange sauce. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to your new family favorite that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Servings: 6 servings

By Jamie Sherman

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken

• 1 ½ – 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform bite-size pieces
• 4 large eggs
• A generous splash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons)
• 1 – 1 ½ cups cornstarch, plus more if needed for dredging
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are highly recommended for best results)

For the Tangy Orange Sauce

• 1 cup high-quality orange juice (freshly squeezed will yield the best flavor)
• Zest of 1 large orange (about 1-2 teaspoons, adds incredible aroma)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium is preferred to control saltiness)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper molasses note)
• ½ cup rice vinegar (for that essential tangy element)
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to your desired level of heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken the sauce to a perfect glaze)

Additional Serving Ingredients

• Success® Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice (or your preferred Success® Rice variety)
• Toasted sesame seeds, optional, for an elegant garnish and nutty crunch
• Sliced green onions (scallions), optional, for a fresh, aromatic finish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Frying Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), heat your chosen frying oil to 375°F (190°C). Ensure you have enough oil so the chicken pieces can be mostly submerged during frying.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations: In a shallow dish (a pie plate works perfectly), whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In a separate shallow dish, place the cornstarch and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir the cornstarch mixture thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Take each bite-size chicken piece and first dip it into the seasoned cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Next, transfer it to the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then let any excess drip off. Finally, place the chicken back into the cornstarch, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating. Shake off any excess cornstarch. This double-dredging technique helps create a super crispy exterior.
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the fryer; work in batches if necessary to maintain the oil’s temperature and ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves maximum crispiness. Fry until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown and completely cooked through, with no pink visible inside (this usually takes about 3-5 minutes per batch). If cooking in batches, keep the fried chicken warm by placing it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you continue frying.
5. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is frying, prepare your chosen Success® Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice according to the package directions. It’s incredibly quick and should be ready in about 10 minutes.
6. Craft the Orange Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the orange sauce: orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, Sriracha, minced garlic, and the 4 teaspoons of cornstarch. Whisk vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth, with no lumps.
7. Cook the Orange Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or spoon. The sauce will gradually thicken and reduce by about half, transforming into a glossy, delicious, syrupy glaze. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once all the chicken pieces are fried to perfection, gently add them into the saucepan containing the warm Orange Sauce. Toss everything together until all the crispy chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the delectable, sticky, and vibrant sauce.

Notes & Expert Tips

• Perfect Plating: To serve, place a generous portion of hot, fluffy Success® Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice (or your preferred rice) onto a plate or into a bowl. Spoon the sauced Orange Chicken generously over the rice. For an extra touch of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, if desired.
• Adjusting Spice: The Sriracha sauce provides a pleasant kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely. For those who love heat, feel free to add a bit more to taste!
• Achieving Ultimate Crispy Chicken: The key to truly crispy chicken lies in maintaining the correct oil temperature. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the exterior will burn before the inside cooks through. Use a thermometer for accuracy! Also, avoid overcrowding the pot, as this dramatically lowers the oil temperature and prevents even browning and crisping.
• Fresh Orange Zest: Don’t skip the orange zest in the sauce! It provides a potent burst of fresh citrus aroma and flavor that really brightens the dish.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 360kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 182mg, Sodium: 735mg, Potassium: 570mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 276IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 32mg, Iron: 1mg

Please note: Nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Factors such as specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and preparation methods can influence the final nutritional values.

Connect and Discover More with Success® Rice

For a continuous stream of culinary inspiration, invaluable cooking tips, and comprehensive information about the full range of versatile Success® Rice varieties, we warmly invite you to explore the official Success Rice website. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation without sacrificing delicious results.

Stay engaged with the Success® Rice community and be among the first to receive updates on new recipe ideas, practical lifestyle tips, and exclusive content by following their vibrant social media channels:

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Join the Culinary Conversation!

We genuinely love connecting with our amazing readers and hearing about your kitchen adventures! Do you have a particular Success® Rice variety that you absolutely swear by for its convenience and flavor, or is there one you’re now eager to try after reading this post? Perhaps you’ve got your own secret ingredient or unique twist on homemade Orange Chicken that you’d love to share? We encourage you to tell us all about your thoughts, personal experiences, and invaluable culinary tips in the comments section below!

Originally published on August 27, 2014. Updated and revised for clarity and completeness on May 1, 2021.