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🍊 Crispy air-fried chicken glazed in tangy orange sauce, topped with fresh cucumber salad, this Orange Chicken Sandwich is a flavor bomb.

Close-up of a finished orange chicken sandwich with sauced chicken and cucumber ribbons on a toasted bun.

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Orange Chicken Recipe

Looking for a bold twist on an orange chicken recipe? This Orange Chicken Sandwich combines crispy air fryer orange chicken with a tangy, sticky sauce and fresh cucumber salad tucked inside a soft roll.

It is a delicious and easy recipe for orange chicken turned into a hearty sandwich. If you love homemade orange chicken, this version is sure to be a new favorite.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy air fryer orange chicken without deep frying.
  • A fun sandwich take on a classic orange chicken recipe.
  • Uses simple ingredients for a quick and easy recipe for orange chicken at home.
  • Pairs perfectly with fresh cucumber salad for crunch and brightness.
  • A unique way to enjoy homemade orange chicken.
Overhead view of orange chicken sandwich ingredients including chicken thighs, flour, brown sugar, orange juice, cucumber, buns, spices, and condiments arranged on a dark surface.

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

chicken

  • chicken thighs – use chicken breasts if preferred
  • all-purpose flour – substitute gluten-free flour if needed
  • potato chips, crushed – panko breadcrumbs also work
  • eggs – use flax eggs for an egg-free version
  • butter – margarine can be used
  • sandwich rolls – brioche, ciabatta, or gluten-free rolls

rolls

  • orange juice – fresh squeezed for best flavor
  • brown sugar – honey, or maple syrup can be used
  • rice wine vinegar – apple cider vinegar works in a pinch
  • soy sauce – use tamari for gluten-free
  • garlic paste – fresh garlic can be minced
  • ginger paste – fresh ginger can be grated
  • red pepper flakes – or gochugaru for a Korean twist
  • orange zest – adds brightness
  • cornstarch + water – thickens the sauce

quick cucumber salad

  • English cucumber – regular cucumber works if peeled
  • rice wine vinegar – apple cider vinegar as a swap
  • garlic – fresh minced

optional topping

  • mayonnaise – or spicy mayo for heat

✨ Variations

  • Make this an open-faced sandwich with toasted sourdough.
  • Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version of air fryer orange chicken.
  • Turn this into lettuce wraps for a lighter take on homemade orange chicken.
  • Add a slice of cheese for a fusion twist.

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Saucepan filled with homemade orange sauce simmering with visible red pepper flakes, stirred with a white spatula.
Glass bowl of cucumber ribbons tossed with minced garlic and rice vinegar for a quick cucumber salad.
Raw chicken thigh coated in flour on a white plate next to beaten egg wash and uncooked chicken thighs.
Chicken thigh dipped into beaten egg wash after dredging in flour, ready for coating.
Chicken thigh coated in crushed potato chips, sitting on a plate beside bowls of egg wash and flour.
Four breaded chicken thighs with a crunchy potato chip coating inside an air fryer basket lined with parchment paper.
Breaded chicken thigh being coated in sticky homemade orange sauce inside a skillet.
Open sandwich on a wooden board with sauced chicken, mayonnaise on the bun, cucumber ribbons, and sprinkled sesame seeds.
Stack of two orange chicken sandwiches layered with glazed chicken, cucumber ribbons, and sesame seeds on toasted buns.

🔥 Tips

  • Use a mandoline to slice the cucumber thinly for the salad.
  • Double the sauce to use later with stir fry or grilled meats.
  • Always check potato chip labels if making a gluten-free version.
  • Toast the rolls for the best sandwich texture.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the chicken and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat and coat when ready to serve.

Is this spicy?

The red pepper flakes add mild heat. Adjust to your taste.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely. Add extra red pepper flakes, gochugaru, or even a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for more heat.

What sides go well with this Orange Chicken Sandwich?

Try serving with sweet potato fries, Asian slaw, fried rice, or a simple green salad.

Does this taste like takeout orange chicken?

It has all the familiar tangy-sweet flavors of a restaurant orange chicken recipe, but with the crunch of a sandwich format.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after saucing?

Sauce just before serving, so the crust stays crunchy. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the chicken and sauce separate.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Square image of an orange chicken sandwich with saucy chicken, cucumber ribbons, and sesame seeds on a toasted bun.
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Servings: 4 servings

Orange Chicken Sandwich

By Jamie Sherman
Try this Orange Chicken Sandwich with crispy air-fried chicken, tangy orange glaze, and quick cucumber salad for a bold, tasty twist.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups thin potato chips, crushed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 rolls, (brioche, ciabatta, or your choice)

Sauce

  • 1 cup orange juice, (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
  • ½ teaspoon garlic paste
  • ½ teaspoon ginger paste
  • ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or gochugaru
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, for slurry
  • 1 tablespoon water, for slurry

Quick cucumber salad

  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

Optional topping

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Instructions 

  • Make cucumber salad: In a bowl, combine cucumber, rice wine vinegar, and garlic. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
  • Prepare chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with crushed potato chips.
  • Air fry: Cook at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temp should reach 165°F.
  • Make sauce: In a skillet, whisk orange juice, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add orange zest and cornstarch slurry. Simmer 5-8 minutes until thickened.
  • Coat chicken: Toss cooked chicken in sauce until well coated.
  • Toast buns: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Place buns cut-side down until golden brown.
  • Assemble: Spread mayo on buns. Add sauced chicken, cucumber salad, and top bun. Serve warm.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Keep cucumber salad refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days.

♨️ REHEATING

  • Air fryer: 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot.
  • Oven: 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
  • Microwave: 1-2 minutes, though breading may soften.
  • Skillet: Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating and saucing.
  • Do not freeze cucumber salad.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Slice the cucumber with a mandoline for thin, even cuts.
  • Double the sauce to have extra on hand for stir fry or grilled chicken.
  • Use gluten-free flour, tamari, and chips if making gluten-free sandwiches.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Oven: Bake chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Stovetop: Shallow-fry in 1/2 inch oil over medium-high heat, 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Grill: Cook thighs uncoated, then glaze with sauce.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Chop leftover chicken and add to fried rice or stir fry.
  • Use sauced chicken in lettuce wraps.
  • Serve extra sauce over plain rice or roasted veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich, Calories: 882kcal, Carbohydrates: 101g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 233mg, Sodium: 1000mg, Potassium: 1015mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 844IU, Vitamin C: 44mg, Calcium: 96mg, Iron: 14mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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