Crispy Orange Chicken Bites (Printable Version)

Golden crispy chicken pieces coated in glossy citrus sauce

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 0.5 cup cornstarch
04 - 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 0.5 tsp salt
06 - 0.5 tsp black pepper
07 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ Orange Sauce

08 - 0.75 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
09 - 2 tbsp orange zest
10 - 0.25 cup soy sauce
11 - 0.25 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 - 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
17 - 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

→ Garnishes

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
02 - Heat 1.5 inches 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 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. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
04 - Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
05 - Add fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
06 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The homemade sauce tastes ten times fresher than anything from a takeout container
  • You get to control exactly how crispy the chicken gets and how thick the sauce coats it
  • It comes together in under an hour but feels like something youd order for a special Friday night treat
02 -
  • If your oil isnt hot enough, the chicken will soak up grease instead of getting crispy
  • The sauce thickens quickly once you add the slurry, so have your chicken ready to toss immediately
  • Cornstarch can settle at the bottom of liquid, so whisk that slurry again right before pouring
03 -
  • Cut your chicken into slightly larger pieces than you think you need because they shrink during frying
  • Zest your oranges before squeezing them to avoid accidentally graving bitter white pith
  • Keep the sauce warm on very low heat while you fry the chicken so its ready to coat immediately
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