Easy Orange Chicken (No MSG)

Servings: 2 Total Time: 30 mins
Skip the takeout and make this vibrant, citrusy orange chicken that is much fresher and crispier than the restaurant version. The homemade sauce uses real orange juice and zest for a bright, authentic tang that perfectly coats the golden batter.
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Why you’ll love this recipe

  • You get that iconic “takeout” flavor at home without the heavy MSG or low-quality frying oils.
  • The double-batter technique (egg + flour mix) creates a thick, puffy crust that absorbs the orange glaze beautifully.
  • Fresh orange juice provides a natural, bright acidity that balanced the sugar and soy much better than bottled juice.

Key Ingredients

  • Orange Juice: Use freshly squeezed for a bright, citrusy punch that bottled versions can’t replicate.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a sharp tang that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the fried chicken.
  • Baking Powder: The secret to a puffy, airy batter that stays crispy even after being tossed in the sticky sauce.

Key Steps

  • #1: Marinate the chicken cubes overnight to ensure the seasoning isn’t just on the crust, but inside the meat.
  • #2: Whisk the batter until smooth to avoid flour clumps, which can lead to uneven frying.
  • #3: Use real orange for the sauce

#4: Simmer the orange sauce until it reaches a syrupy “glaze” consistency before tossing in the chicken.

Easy Orange Chicken (No MSG)

Crispy battered chicken breast is tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-sour orange glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Servings: 2

Ingredients:

Dry mix:

Sauce:

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-size cubes. Season with garlic powder, white pepper, and salt. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in water until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Add one egg to the marinated chicken and mix well. Transfer the chicken into the batter and coat evenly.
  4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
  5. In a separate pan, combine orange juice, minced ginger, minced garlic, sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sauce lightly thickens.
  6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Cook briefly, just until glazed.
  7. Finish with white sesame seeds and serve immediately..
Keywords: Orange Chicken, Homemade, Crispy, 30-min
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?

Yes, but chicken thigh usually stays juicier and more flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

You can easily adjust the chili or pepper to match your preferred heat level.

What should I serve with this?

Rice, noodles, or simple vegetables all pair really well with it.

Aila Lin Recipe Creator and Food Blogger

Hi, I'm Aila, an avid foodie who enjoy eating, cooking and sharing food. I'm currently based in Seattle, WA, and loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family cooking them their favorite food!

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