Introduction

Chinese Orange Chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet, and slightly savory orange sauce. The chicken is battered, fried until golden and crispy, and then tossed in a sticky orange glaze made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.

I first made this dish when I was craving takeout but wanted something homemade, and it quickly became a family favorite. The balance of crispy texture from the chicken and the bright, citrusy zing from the sauce is just irresistible. This dish is versatile, too—you can serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a delicious snack or appetizer.

What’s great about Chinese Orange Chicken is how simple it is to make at home, despite its bold, restaurant-quality flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen and impress your family or guests. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!.

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Takeout-inspired homemade meals
Special occasions
Citrus and chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Orange Chicken

Here’s why Chinese Orange Chicken will become one of your favorite dishes:

Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated in a light batter and fried to perfection, creating a crispy texture that holds up well under the flavorful orange sauce.
Tangy Orange Sauce: The fresh orange juice and zest create a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory elements like soy sauce and garlic.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The sauce is a perfect blend of sweetness from honey or sugar and saltiness from soy sauce, giving each bite a complex and satisfying flavor.
Quick and Easy: This dish can be made at home in under an hour, making it an easy alternative to takeout with the added benefit of freshness.
Customizable: You can adjust the level of sweetness, spice, and citrus to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chinese Orange Chicken:

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cold water
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (or honey)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Garnish (Optional):

1-2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2-3 green onions, chopped

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provide a tender and juicy base for this dish, while being easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Cornstarch and Flour Coating: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light and crispy coating that perfectly complements the juicy chicken inside.
Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh oranges provide a bright, refreshing citrus flavor, which is the signature of this dish.
Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: These ingredients bring the salty and slightly tangy flavors that balance out the sweetness of the orange juice.
Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chinese Orange Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

Make the Coating: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the beaten egg and cold water, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Orange Sauce:

Cook the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the sauce while stirring. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the sauce, allowing the sauce to adhere to the chicken.
Serve: Once the chicken is fully coated, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

How to Serve Chinese Orange Chicken

Chinese Orange Chicken is delicious served in a variety of ways:

With Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
With Vegetables: Pair it with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve the orange chicken as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. It’s sure to be a hit with guests.
On Its Own: For a lighter meal, enjoy the chicken on its own or with a small side of steamed dumplings.

Additional Tips for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
Use Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but you can substitute store-bought juice if necessary. Just be sure to check the sweetness level.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of chili paste to the sauce.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry or allow it to simmer longer to reach the desired consistency.
Keep the Chicken Crispy: If you’re serving the dish later, store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chinese Orange Chicken:

Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the sugar with honey for a sweeter, more natural flavor.
Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and snap peas to the chicken and sauce for a vegetable-packed version.
Baked Orange Chicken: Skip the frying step and bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.
Orange Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
Crispy Orange Tofu: For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for the chicken and follow the same recipe.
Orange Sesame Chicken: Top the finished dish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Orange Chicken Stir-Fry: Add more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli and stir-fry with the chicken and sauce for a full meal.
Crispy Orange Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and follow the same recipe for a seafood version of orange chicken.
Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in crispy lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing variation.

Freezing and Storage for Chinese Orange Chicken

Freezing: You can freeze the orange chicken for up to 2 months. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a pan with a bit of oil to re-crisp the chicken.
Storage: Store leftover Chinese Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are some tools that will make preparing Chinese Orange Chicken easier:

Large Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is ideal for frying the chicken and cooking the sauce.
Tongs: Use tongs to safely handle the fried chicken pieces.
Saucepan: A small saucepan is needed to prepare the orange sauce.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and spices.
Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: These tools help remove the chicken from the oil without excess oil.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Orange Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will be juicier and more flavorful, though chicken breasts are often used for a leaner option.
**Can I make this dish in

advance?**
You can prepare the sauce in advance, but for the best results, fry the chicken fresh so that it stays crispy. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce).
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, but if you must, bottled juice can be used. Just adjust the sweetness of the sauce if needed.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken pieces in the batter before frying, or coat them in a thin layer of cornstarch after dipping in the batter.

Conclusion

Chinese Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for those who love the combination of crispy chicken and tangy, sweet, citrusy sauce. The fresh orange flavor and the satisfying crunch of the chicken make this recipe an easy favorite, and it’s simple enough to prepare at home for a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, at a gathering, or simply indulging in a takeout-inspired treat, Chinese Orange Chicken is sure to impress.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to a special gathering with friends. The vibrant flavor and crispy texture are guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Chinese Orange Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!