Name: Crispy Orange Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs; 1/2 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought); 1 tsp orange zest; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crispy Orange Chicken Nuggets combine tender chicken pieces with a golden, crunchy coating and a tangy-sweet orange sauce that’s simply irresistible. This homemade version of a takeout favorite is quick, crowd-pleasing, and deliciously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of your favorite restaurant orange chicken but with more control over ingredients and freshness. The nuggets are perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, while the orange sauce adds a vibrant burst of citrus flavor.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken breast or thighs
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour (for coating)
Eggs
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
Orange zest
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Cornstarch slurry (to thicken the sauce)

Tips by Elsa:

Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the sauce’s brightness.
Coat the chicken well and shake off excess flour before frying.
Use a wire rack to cool fried nuggets and keep them crispy.

directions

Cut chicken into nugget-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Dredge chicken in beaten egg, then coat in cornstarch or flour.
Heat oil in a pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry nuggets until golden and crisp. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
Toss fried nuggets in the sauce and serve immediately.

Tips by Elsa:

Do not overcrowd the pan when frying—cook in batches for even browning.
Let sauce cool slightly before tossing with nuggets to retain crispiness.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Baked Nuggets: Bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
Vegetarian Option: Use cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken.
Extra Citrus: Add lemon zest for a tangier twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari.

Tips by Elsa:

Add a pinch of white pepper for authentic restaurant-style flavor.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.

Tips by Elsa:

Avoid microwaving as it will soften the crispy coating.
Store sauce separately if possible when making ahead.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken nuggets?

Yes, bake them and toss in the homemade orange sauce.

Is the sauce very sweet?

It is balanced with tangy and savory notes but can be adjusted.

Can I make it without frying?

Yes, you can bake or air fry the chicken.

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?

Thighs offer more flavor, but breasts work well too.

Can I prep this ahead?

You can make the sauce and fry the chicken ahead, then reheat and combine.

Can I freeze this dish?

It is best fresh, but you can freeze fried chicken without sauce.

What sides go well with this?

Steamed rice, broccoli, or vegetable stir-fry are perfect companions.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes, reduce the ginger and skip the spice for a kid-friendly version.

What oil should I use?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable are best.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, it scales up easily if you want extra for drizzling.

Conclusion

Crispy Orange Chicken Nuggets are a satisfying and flavorful dish that brings takeout-quality taste to your home kitchen. Perfectly crunchy and bursting with citrus flavor, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Crispy Orange Chicken Nuggets

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Mariem
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Orange Chicken Nuggets are tender, golden-fried bites coated in a zesty-sweet orange sauce, offering a homemade twist on a takeout classic.

Instructions

Cut chicken into nugget-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Beat eggs in a bowl. Dredge chicken in the egg, then coat with cornstarch or flour, shaking off excess.
Heat oil in a pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and crisp. Set aside on a wire rack.
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened.
Toss fried nuggets in the orange sauce and serve immediately.