Crispy Orange Chicken Bites (Printable)

Golden fried chicken pieces glazed with a tangy, sweet orange sauce and a touch of spice.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 - Vegetable oil for deep frying

→ Orange Sauce

08 - 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
09 - 2 tbsp orange zest
10 - 1/4 cup soy sauce
11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
15 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
16 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
17 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

→ Garnishes (optional)

18 - 2 spring onions, sliced
19 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
02 - Heat 1.6 inches (4 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat (350°F). Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
03 - Combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
04 - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
05 - Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The chicken stays crispy even after it gets coated in that silky, glossy sauce instead of turning soggy.
  • Fresh orange juice makes this taste nothing like the overly sweet bottled versions you get at most places.
  • It comes together faster than ordering delivery, and your kitchen smells incredible the entire time.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cornstarch in the coating or dredging mix; it's what separates crispy takeout-style chicken from just breaded chicken.
  • Fresh orange juice makes an enormous difference; bottled or concentrated juice gives you a flat, overly sweet sauce that's missing the brightness.
  • The cornstarch slurry needs to be added slowly and stirred constantly or you'll end up with lumps instead of a glossy, even sauce.
03 -
  • Pat your chicken pieces completely dry before you start the egg and flour process; any moisture on the surface prevents the coating from sticking properly.
  • If your sauce breaks or looks separated after adding the slurry, whisk it off the heat for a minute and it usually comes back together beautifully.
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