This delicious Crispy Orange Chicken is made with frozen chicken nuggets and a sweet homemade orange sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes for a quick family dinner that tastes better than takeout.
Easy Crispy Orange Chicken
This Crispy Orange Chicken is the kind of quick dinner recipe every busy family needs. It uses crispy frozen chicken nuggets tossed in a sweet, tangy, homemade orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar.
The result is flavorful, sticky, crispy, and ready in just 15 minutes. Basically, it gives you that takeout-style orange chicken feeling without waiting for delivery.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Orange Chicken
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Uses frozen chicken nuggets for a shortcut
- Sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Better than takeout
- Perfect for busy weeknights
The beauty of this easy orange chicken recipe is that the nuggets bake while the sauce cooks. By the time the chicken is hot and crispy, the sauce is ready to toss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a quick homemade orange sauce:
- Frozen chicken nuggets
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Chicken stock
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Salt and pepper
Fresh orange juice gives the sauce the brightest flavor, while orange zest adds extra citrus aroma. The cornstarch helps the sauce thicken quickly, so it coats the chicken beautifully.
How To Make Crispy Orange Chicken
Start by cooking the frozen chicken nuggets according to the package directions until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the nuggets cook, prepare the orange sauce. The sauce comes together in minutes on the stovetop. Once it thickens, toss it with the crispy chicken and serve immediately.
That last part is important. Toss the chicken right before serving so the coating stays as crisp as possible.
Tips For The Crispiest Chicken
- Bake the nuggets until deeply golden.
- Do not toss the chicken with the sauce too early.
- Serve immediately after coating.
- Keep the sauce warm while the nuggets finish cooking.
- Use an air fryer for extra crispy nuggets.
If you want the crispiest texture, cook the nuggets in the air fryer and then toss them quickly with the sauce right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This crispy orange chicken is delicious served over white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice.
For a complete meal, add:
- Steamed broccoli
- Edamame
- Snap peas
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Fried rice
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor, color, and crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
The orange sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, store the sauce separately and cook the chicken nuggets fresh before serving. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, toss with crispy nuggets, and serve right away.
I hope you can try this delicious Crispy Orange Chicken at home. If you do, tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet. I love seeing your creations!
Crispy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 20 units Frozen Chicken Nuggets
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh Ginger minced
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed Orange Juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Orange Zest (orange part only)
- 1/4 cup Chicken Stock
- 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- Salt + Pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Sesame Seeds
- Green Onion chopped
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chicken nuggets according to package directions until crispy and golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix the orange juice, zest, chicken stock, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch together
- Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sesame oil
- Cook the garlic and ginger for 2-3 minutes or until they're soft and fragrant.
- Add the orange juice mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer.
- Add salt and pepper and check the sauce for seasoning
- Pour the sauce over the crispy chicken nuggets and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, bake the nuggets until deeply golden before tossing with the sauce.
- Serve immediately after coating the chicken to prevent the nuggets from softening.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Add steamed broccoli, edamame, or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Fresh orange juice works best for the sauce and provides the brightest flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crispy orange chicken with frozen chicken nuggets?
Yes. Frozen chicken nuggets are a quick shortcut for making crispy orange chicken at home in just 15 minutes.
How do I keep orange chicken crispy?
Cook the nuggets until crispy and toss them with the sauce right before serving. Do not let them sit too long in the sauce.
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The orange sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before tossing with the chicken.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sriracha to the orange sauce for heat.
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Wow! I guess, this orange chicken is going to be super delicious. Healthy, filling and refreshing……
Thank you Kimberly!