Yard House Orange Chicken Recipe

Sweet, tangy, sticky, and wonderfully crispy, this Yard House Orange Chicken recipe brings restaurant-style comfort food straight to your dinner table. Every bite features tender pieces of juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy coating and covered in a glossy homemade orange sauce bursting with citrus flavor.

The combination of fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates that irresistible balance of sweet and savory flavors. A little vinegar adds a pleasant tang, while the optional Fresno chili gives the sauce a gentle touch of heat.

Making this Yard House orange chicken at home also means you can enjoy it fresh from the pan, when the chicken is at its crispiest and the sauce is perfectly warm and sticky. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying homemade meal that feels extra special.

Is the Orange Chicken Good at Yard House?

Yes, Yard House orange chicken is a popular choice for anyone who enjoys the combination of crispy chicken and a bold sweet-and-tangy sauce. The appeal comes from the contrast between the crunchy coating and the sticky orange glaze, which brings together citrusy sweetness with savory flavors.

This homemade Yard House orange chicken recipe recreates that comforting restaurant-style experience with fresh orange, honey, garlic, ginger, and perfectly crispy chicken. It is especially delicious served hot, right after the chicken is tossed in the warm, flavorful sauce.

What Is Yard House Orange Chicken Made Of?

This Yard House orange chicken recipe is made with bite-sized boneless chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and seasoning before being coated in a mixture of flour, potato starch, and cornstarch. The combination creates a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.

The homemade orange sauce brings together granulated sugar, white vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, honey, and the zest and juice of a fresh orange. Green onion whites and an optional Fresno chili add even more flavor to the spicy sauce.

Once the crispy fried chicken is tossed with the thick, sticky orange glaze, it is finished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions or chives for a fresh and flavorful garnish.

What Are The Ingredients In Yard House Orange Chicken

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this Yard House Orange Chicken.

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into evenly sized bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy chicken.
• 1 cup buttermilk, for marinating and helping create a tender texture.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning, to add flavor throughout the chicken.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, forming the base of the crispy coating.
• ½ cup potato starch, which helps give the coating a light, crunchy texture.
• ½ cup cornstarch, for extra crispiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt, to lightly season the coating.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, for a mild savory flavor.
• Vegetable or avocado oil, enough for deep frying.

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil, for sautéing the aromatics.
• 3 green onions, using the white parts only and sliced.
• 1 Fresno chili, thinly sliced (optional), for a little heat.
• ¾ cup granulated white sugar, for the sauce’s signature sweetness.
• ¾ cup white vinegar, adding a bright tangy flavor.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, for savory depth.
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced, for bold aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced, for warmth and freshness.
• 2 tablespoons honey, adding sweetness and a smooth flavor.
• 1 large orange, using both the zest and fresh juice.

Cornstarch Slurry

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons water, for mixing with the cornstarch.

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for a finishing touch.
• 2 green onions or chives, finely sliced, for freshness and color.

Kitchen Utensils

1. Large mixing bowls
2. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
3. Sharp knife
4. Cutting board
5. Large skillet or saucepan
6. Whisk
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Small bowl for making the cornstarch slurry
9. Deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for frying
10. Kitchen thermometer
11. Tongs or a slotted spoon
12. Wire cooling rack
13. Baking sheet or tray
14. Large serving bowl for tossing the chicken with the orange sauce

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

Prep Time: About 30 minutes

Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Cook Time: About 30 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour, plus marinating time

Servings: Approximately 6 servings

How to Make Yard House Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Trim away any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the buttermilk and all-purpose seasoning.

Mix everything thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the buttermilk can begin to affect the texture of the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced white parts of the green onions and the Fresno chili, if you are using it. Sauté briefly to release their flavor.

Add the sugar and white vinegar, stirring until the sugar starts to dissolve. Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, honey, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Bring the orange sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring or whisking occasionally, until the flavors blend together and the sauce begins to reduce.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Coating

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, potato starch, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade and place them directly into the flour mixture. Toss thoroughly until every piece is completely coated.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Pour enough vegetable or avocado oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan for safe deep frying. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C).

Fry the chicken in two batches for approximately 6 to 7 minutes per batch. After the first few seconds, gently move the pieces around so they do not stick together or to the bottom of the pan.

Cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack and let any excess oil drain briefly.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Reheat the orange sauce until hot. Place the crispy fried chicken into a large bowl and pour the warm orange sauce over the top.

Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the sticky glaze. Finish your Yard House orange chicken with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions or chives. Serve immediately while the chicken is still wonderfully crispy.

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions for Yard House Orange Chicken

• Keep the chicken pieces similar in size. Evenly sized pieces cook more consistently and make the finished dish easier to eat.
• Do not over-marinate the chicken. Thirty minutes to two hours works beautifully, while four hours should be the maximum.
• Use a wire rack after frying. This helps the chicken stay crisp instead of becoming soggy from trapped steam.
• Fry in batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and prevent the coating from becoming properly crispy.
• Check the oil temperature. Keeping the oil close to 365°F helps create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Use the Fresno chili for extra warmth. Leave it out when you prefer a milder orange chicken.
• Toss the chicken with hot sauce just before serving. This gives you the best balance of crispy coating and sticky orange glaze.

Serving Suggestions for Yard House Orange Chicken

This sweet and tangy chicken is delicious served with a variety of simple sides. Try pairing it with:

• Steamed white rice to soak up the extra orange sauce.
• Fried rice for a more filling restaurant-style meal.
• Steamed broccoli for a fresh and simple contrast.
• Stir-fried vegetables alongside the crispy chicken.
• Noodles for a comforting dinner with plenty of sauce.
• A fresh green summer salad when you want something lighter.
• Extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an attractive finishing touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled and enjoy it within a few days for the best quality.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently until heated through. Keep in mind that the crispy coating will soften after being stored with the sauce. For the best texture, reheat the chicken carefully and serve it as soon as it is hot.

Common FAQs About Yard House Orange Chicken Recipe

When you give this Yard House Orange Chicken Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

What is Yard House orange chicken made of?

Yard House orange chicken is made with crispy fried pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. This homemade version uses chicken thighs, buttermilk, flour, potato starch, cornstarch, and a flavorful sauce made with orange, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sugar, and vinegar.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used instead of chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and tender, but evenly cut chicken breast pieces can also work well. Just avoid overcooking them so they stay tender.

Why is potato starch used in the coating?

Potato starch helps create a light and crispy exterior. Combined with flour and cornstarch, it gives the chicken a crunchy coating that holds up nicely when tossed with the sticky orange sauce.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and preferably up to 2 hours. Four hours is the maximum recommended time. Avoid leaving it in the buttermilk overnight because the texture of the chicken can change.

Can I make the orange sauce without the Fresno chili?

Absolutely. The Fresno chili is optional, so you can leave it out for a sweeter and milder sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the orange sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated when you are ready to serve. Warm it until hot before tossing it with the freshly fried chicken.

How do I keep the orange chicken crispy?

The best way is to fry the chicken until golden and crisp, drain it briefly on a wire rack, and toss it with the hot orange sauce immediately before serving. The longer the chicken sits in the sauce, the softer the coating will become.

This Yard House orange chicken recipe is a delicious homemade combination of crispy, tender chicken and a sweet, tangy, citrusy orange glaze. The fresh orange juice and zest, honey, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar create layers of flavor, while the flour and starch coating gives every piece a satisfying crunch.

Serve this restaurant-inspired dish fresh and hot with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables, and enjoy every sticky, crispy, flavorful bite. Once you make this homemade Yard House orange chicken, it may quickly become one of your favorite meals to prepare for family dinners or special occasions.

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