Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Orange Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish that’s a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. The tender, golden-brown chicken pieces are coated in a luscious orange sauce, creating an irresistible balance of citrusy zest and rich sweetness. This dish offers the perfect indulgence for those craving a satisfying, slightly sweet meal with a bit of zing.

What makes Chinese Orange Chicken stand out is its delightful sauce. As it simmers, the bright fragrance of fresh oranges blends with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving your kitchen a warm and inviting aroma. I first made this dish for a family dinner, and it quickly became a favorite—both comforting and exciting at the same time. It’s an ideal addition to any dinner table, especially when served with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

What’s even more wonderful about this dish is how easy it is to adjust. You can make the sauce spicier by adding chili flakes or kick up the savory aspect with a little more soy sauce. Plus, if you’re craving a more robust meal, adding extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli will elevate it even more. Trust me, once you try this Chinese Orange Chicken, it will become a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions—it’s just that delicious!

Perfect For:

Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Dinner parties or entertaining
Chinese food cravings
A crowd-pleasing dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Chicken: The chicken is fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Tangy Orange Sauce: The sauce is made with fresh orange juice and zest, creating a zesty and flavorful base that perfectly complements the chicken.
Easy to Make: Despite being a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preferences.
Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of flavors makes this dish incredibly irresistible.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 400–450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Vitamin C: 40% DV, Iron: 8% DV

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
Zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

Ingredient Highlights

Orange Juice & Zest: Provides a fresh, tangy base for the sauce and a wonderful citrus aroma.
Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to balance the sweetness of the orange sauce.
Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken for a crispy coating and thicken the sauce.
Ginger & Garlic: Brings additional savory and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Honey & Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the sauce, creating a perfect balance with the citrus notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the mixture, coating it evenly.
Heat Oil for Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Orange Sauce:

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the sauce mixture together until the sugar dissolves and bring it to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2–3 minutes).

Coat the Chicken:

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan with the thickened orange sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated, ensuring every piece is coated with the flavorful orange sauce.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite side.

How to Serve

With Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken with steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
With Veggies: Pair with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
For Meal Prep: Pack the orange chicken with rice and veggies for easy-to-reheat lunch meals.
As Appetizers: Serve small portions of the chicken on skewers as party appetizers.

Additional Tips

For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the flour mixture after the initial coating and frying.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar and honey amounts based on how sweet or tangy you prefer your sauce.
Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Substitute Protein: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different variation of this recipe.
Make-Ahead Sauce: You can make the orange sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add freshly fried chicken when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu for a plant-based alternative. Prepare the tofu by pressing to remove excess moisture, cutting into cubes, and following the same cooking method as the chicken. The tofu will absorb the delicious orange sauce, creating a rich, satisfying vegetarian dish.
Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, serve the dish with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice. This will still give you a satisfying, flavorful meal but with fewer carbs, making it perfect for those on low-carb or keto diets.
Orange and Lemon: Elevate the citrus flavors with a burst of lemon. Adding a little fresh lemon juice not only balances the sweetness of the orange but also adds a zesty, bright twist to the sauce that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
Make It Spicy: If you like some heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or stir in a dash of chili garlic sauce to the orange sauce. This will provide a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the orange, taking your dish to the next level.
Sweet and Savory Version: To give the dish more complexity, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the orange sauce. This introduces a deeper, savory flavor while complementing the sweetness of the oranges, creating a balance of tastes that’s both rich and satisfying.
Sesame Orange Chicken: For added flavor and crunch, top the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions. These additions bring a delightful texture to the dish and an extra burst of flavor from the sesame seeds, making the dish feel more like a restaurant-style meal.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 1 month. Reheat by baking the chicken in the oven, then toss it in the sauce.
Storage: Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet or Deep Fryer: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Saucepan: To prepare the tangy orange sauce.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring the sauce ingredients and creating the cornstarch slurry.
Thermometer: A deep-frying thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for crispy chicken.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

For the best flavor, fresh orange juice is recommended. However, you can substitute store-bought orange juice in a pinch.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can fry the chicken in advance and reheat it before adding the sauce. The chicken will stay crispy if reheated in the oven or air fryer.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or use a mixture of flour and water as an alternative thickening agent.

Can I skip the frying step?

If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy and then toss it in the sauce.

Conclusion

Chinese Orange Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The crispy chicken is coated in a bright and zesty orange sauce that bursts with citrusy goodness, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Whether served over rice or as an appetizer, it’s a delicious option for any occasion.

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Adjust the sweetness or the level of heat with your preferred amount of orange juice, honey, or chili flakes. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions for a touch of crunch and color.

Whip up a batch of Chinese Orange Chicken today and enjoy the delightful aromas of your kitchen! Don’t forget to capture a photo of your culinary creation and share it with me on Instagram—tag me so I can celebrate your cooking success! Happy cooking!