![- Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless) - Freshly squeezed orange juice - Soy sauce and honey For this dish, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The freshly squeezed orange juice brings a bright flavor. I recommend only using fresh juice for the best taste. Soy sauce and honey join forces for a sweet and salty base that makes every bite delightful. - All-purpose flour - Eggs and panko breadcrumbs Coating the chicken is key for a crispy texture. I use all-purpose flour to help the egg stick. Then, I dip the chicken in beaten eggs, which adds moisture. Finally, panko breadcrumbs give that extra crunch. They make the chicken even more enjoyable. - Garlic and ginger - Cornstarch for thickening - Sesame oil and red pepper flakes The sauce is where the magic happens. I start with minced garlic and grated ginger for depth and warmth. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce. This gives it that sticky texture we all crave. I add sesame oil for a nutty flavor and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To make the Sticky Orange Chicken, first, you need to prep the chicken. Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Next, set up a breading station. Use three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs. First, coat the chicken in flour. Then, dip each piece in the egg. Finally, roll the chicken in panko. This gives it a nice crunch. For an even coating, make sure each piece is fully covered. Shake off any excess flour before dipping into the egg. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. If you want extra crunch, you can double dip the chicken in eggs and panko. Now, it’s time to fry the chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Fry each batch for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked all the way through. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan. Place it on paper towels to drain the excess oil. This keeps it crispy. While the chicken cools, let’s make the sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything mixes well. This step is key for a smooth sauce. To ensure a smooth mixture, add the cornstarch last. This prevents clumps. If you find lumps, whisk harder or use a blender for a quick fix. Pour the sauce into the same pan you used for the chicken. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it constantly until it thickens, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, add the fried chicken back to the pan. Toss the chicken gently in the sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through. For a beautiful presentation, serve the Sticky Orange Chicken over steamed rice. You can also add stir-fried vegetables for color and crunch. Drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a fun touch, add orange slices on the side. This adds a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty creation! To make your chicken crispy, follow these steps: - Coat Well: Make sure you coat the chicken in flour first. This helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better. - Heat the Oil: Use enough oil in the pan and let it get hot. This step is key for crispiness. - Fry in Batches: Cook the chicken in small batches. This prevents overcrowding, helping them fry evenly. If you like spice, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a little. You can always add more later if you want extra heat. Want to boost the citrus taste? Add more orange juice or zest. This step brightens the dish and makes it more flavorful. You can also try adding lime juice for a twist. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with spices like garlic powder or paprika. Each one adds a unique flavor that can change your dish. For a nice finish, use sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These add color and crunch to your meal. When serving, place the Sticky Orange Chicken over steamed rice. This pairs well and soaks up the sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. For extra flair, drizzle some sauce over the top and add orange slices. This makes your dish look even more appealing. {{image_2}} You can make Sticky Orange Chicken a bit healthier. Try baking instead of frying. This cuts down on oil. Bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. You can also swap soy sauce for coconut aminos. This makes it gluten-free and lower in sodium. Instead of honey, use maple syrup for a different sweet taste. To change the flavor, try adding different fruit juices. Pineapple or mango juice can give a fun twist. You can mix orange juice with these juices for depth. Incorporating more vegetables is another great idea. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add color and nutrition. Toss them in with the chicken when you cook the sauce. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour for coating. Make sure your soy sauce is labeled gluten-free, too. For a low-sodium version, choose low-sodium soy sauce. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe. This way, you keep the flavor while cutting back on salt. For more ideas, be sure to check the full recipe! To store leftovers, let the Sticky Orange Chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using the stove. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water. This helps keep the chicken moist. Stir it often until it's heated through. Yes, you can freeze Sticky Orange Chicken! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, place the chicken in a pan over low heat. Stir it often to ensure it warms evenly. This way, your chicken stays juicy and flavorful. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, you can have this dish ready in just 45 minutes. This includes time for coating the chicken, frying it, and making the sauce. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner and cook faster. However, chicken thighs stay moist and have more flavor. If you like juicy chicken, stick with thighs. You can serve this dish with steamed rice or fried rice. Stir-fried veggies also make a great side. For a fresh touch, add a salad. Orange slices add color and flavor too! Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat when you are ready to eat. This keeps the chicken crispy. The best way to reheat is in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm it through without losing crispiness. You can also use an oven for even heating. Check out the [Full Recipe](#) for detailed steps and tips on making this tasty dish! You learned how to make Sticky Orange Chicken with easy steps. We covered ingredients, coating, frying, and sauce making. Tips for cooking and serving make your dish shine. Remember, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Explore variations for healthier and dietary needs, and store leftovers properly. With these insights, you can create a dish that brings joy to your table. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/738485b5-e575-4d88-9e54-8cb66a8a1b36-250x250.webp)
Sticky Orange Chicken
Savor the flavor with this delicious Sticky Orange Chicken recipe! Perfectly crispy chicken pieces are coated in a mouthwatering orange sauce that combines sweet and savory elements. Discover how to create this dish from scratch in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic dinner option for busy nights. Get ready to impress your family and friends! Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delightful meal tonight!