Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and crispy textures, look no further than this Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe. It is a delightful combination of crunchy fried chicken pieces enveloped in a luscious, zesty orange glaze that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and an irresistible texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but flavorful ingredients is key to making this dish memorable. Each component plays a special role from creating the perfect crispy coating on the chicken to delivering the refreshing sweetness and savory depth of the orange glaze.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choosing tender chicken pieces ensures a juicy bite inside that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy coating.
• All-purpose flour & cornstarch: The combo creates a light, crispy crust on the chicken when fried.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: These basic seasonings add layers of savory flavor to the coating and chicken.
• Eggs: Help the flour mixture adhere perfectly, giving you that coveted crispy exterior.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for frying the chicken evenly to golden perfection.
• Soy sauce: Brings an umami richness to the sweet glaze, balancing the flavors.
• Fresh orange juice & orange zest: Add the bright citrus punch and aroma that make the glaze special and refreshing.
• Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and caramelizes for a lovely shine.
• Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle acidity that cuts through the sweetness, keeping the dish lively.
• Cornstarch-water mixture: Thickens the glaze to cling beautifully to the chicken.
• Fresh ginger & garlic: Add warmth and zing, elevating the flavor profile to restaurant-quality.
• Green onions: A bright garnish that introduces a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
• Sesame seeds (optional): Give a delightful nutty crunch and aesthetic finish.

How to Make Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

Start by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. This aromatic mixture is your secret weapon for that crispy crust with just the right seasoning.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered, then dredge it through the flour mixture. This ensures every morsel has a thick, crunchy exterior that will hold up beautifully to frying and glazing.

Step 3: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken in small batches for 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden and irresistibly crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil—this step keeps every bite crisp, not greasy.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan on medium heat, combine soy sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bringing these ingredients together creates a vibrant glaze bursting with citrus tang balanced by savory and sweet notes.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Allow the mixture to gently simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. This melding of flavors is essential before thickening to get that shiny, sticky finish.

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze

Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. This step ensures the glaze will cling to the chicken perfectly, imparting maximum flavor with every bite.

Step 7: Toss Chicken in Glaze

Carefully toss your crispy fried chicken pieces in the warm orange glaze, coating each one evenly. This step transforms the dish from simple fried chicken to a tantalizing, glossy masterpiece.

Step 8: Garnish

Sprinkle sliced green onions and, if you like, sesame seeds on top. These garnishes provide a fresh crunch and a pop of color that make the dish look as fabulous as it tastes.

Step 9: Serve

Serve your Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe hot, ideally over fluffy steamed rice or alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Serve Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds are perfect garnishes that bring slight crunch and a bright snap of flavor to the dish. They also elevate its presentation, making it look restaurant-worthy when you serve it at home.

Side Dishes

This orange chicken shines alongside simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the vibrant glaze. For extra freshness, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw or stir-fried veggies add color and nutrition, balancing the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken wrapped in lettuce cups with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of extra glaze. Or pile it over fried rice or noodles to turn it into an irresistible one-bowl meal that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover crispy sweet glazed orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze intensifies in flavor overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken without the glaze for up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer first so the pieces don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the glaze separately in a sealed container for best texture upon thawing.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness, then warm the glaze separately on the stove and toss everything together just before serving. This keeps the chicken crunchy and the glaze fresh and sticky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when fried, but breasts are leaner and cook up nicely too.

Is there a healthier way to make this dish?

For a lighter version, you can bake or air fry the coated chicken instead of deep-frying. While the texture will be slightly different, the delicious glaze still shines bright.

Can I make the orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if it thickens too much before tossing with the chicken.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in the same quantity. They offer a similar mild acidity that complements the orange flavor perfectly.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli make great colorful additions to the chicken, either mixed into the glaze or served on the side for a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Sweet Glazed Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll turn to anytime you want something comforting yet exciting. Its glorious combination of crispy chicken and vibrant orange glaze is downright addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

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