Easy Orange Chicken (No MSG)

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.

✅Quick Tips: Add the fried chicken to the sauce at the very last second and toss quickly to keep the coating from becoming soggy.

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.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Method: Chicken

Courses: Main Dishes

Servings: 2

Description

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.

Ingredients:

1 lb Chicken breast (cubed)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp white pepper powder
1 tsp of salt
1 egg

Dry mix:

70 g all purpose flour
15 g cornstarch
3 g baking powder
70 g water
A pinch of salt

Sauce:

200 g orange juice
½ tsp minced ginger
½ tsp minced garlic
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp white vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
A pinch of white sesame for decor

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