If you have been searching for a dish that combines zesty sweetness with crispy, tender chicken, then this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite comfort food. This iconic takeout-style meal bursts with vibrant flavors from fresh orange juice and zest, balanced by a savory soy-based sauce and just the right hint of spice. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and has that glossy, sticky coating that makes every bite irresistible. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll never want to rely on takeout again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe lies in a straightforward lineup of ingredients that work together perfectly to give you amazing flavor, texture, and that irresistible orange glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — from the crispy batter to the tangy sauce. Let’s break it down:
- Boneless chicken: Using chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to achieve that tender, juicy inside with a golden crust outside.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: These give the batter a light and crispy crunch that holds up beautifully when fried.
- Baking powder: This little addition helps create the perfect airy texture in the batter.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder): Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken right from the start.
- Cold water and egg: They combine with the dry ingredients to form a smooth and cohesive batter.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for achieving that deep-fried crispiness without overpowering flavors.
- Fresh orange juice and zest: The heart of the sauce, offering bright citrus notes and depth.
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar and rice vinegar: Create the classic sweet and tangy flavor combo needed for authenticity.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce into that glossy, clingy finish that coats each piece of chicken.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Build aromatic layers of flavor for a vibrant sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle kick to awaken your palate.
- Garnishes (green onions and sesame seeds): Add freshness, crunch, and visual appeal.
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Chicken
Begin by mixing your dry ingredients — flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder — in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together cold water and egg, then combine this wet mixture into the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. This batter is what gives the chicken pieces that light, crispy coating we all love. Coat each bite-sized chicken piece evenly, ensuring every nugget is perfectly covered for frying.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or wok. Fry the coated chicken pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding; this ensures each piece cooks evenly and becomes golden brown and crispy in about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crisp.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Let this vibrant mixture simmer over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, around another 2 to 3 minutes. This luscious sauce is where the magic happens, coating your chicken with layers of bright, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Toss the freshly fried chicken pieces directly into the sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the delicious sauce and meld flavors beautifully. This final step ensures every bite delivers the perfect balance of crispiness and sauciness.
How to Serve Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
No Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is complete without garnishes that add texture and visual delight. Sliced green onions bring a fresh, mild onion crunch, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds nutty flavor and a little extra crunch. These simple touches elevate the dish, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all the glorious orange sauce. For a complete meal, serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. The contrast between the crisp chicken and vibrant veggies creates a satisfying balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your orange chicken in lettuce cups for a refreshing bite or over a bed of fried rice for an indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or even add toasted chopped peanuts for extra texture. Presenting the dish family-style in a large bowl garnished with greens encourages sharing and makes mealtime feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days while maintaining great flavor and texture, especially if you keep the sauce separate until reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken pieces and sauce separately. Freeze the chicken on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag, keeping them from clumping together. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a hot oven or skillet to crisp it up again. Reheat the sauce separately on the stove until bubbly, then combine the two just before serving. This method helps preserve the original texture and flavor of your homemade Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and tend to stay juicier than breasts, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe. Both options work beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an optional ingredient, so you can easily adjust the heat to your liking. If you prefer some zing, add the flakes; if not, leave them out for a milder, sweeter sauce.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the signature crispy texture, you can bake the battered chicken pieces at a high temperature for a healthier version. They won’t be as perfectly crispy but will still taste delicious when tossed in the orange sauce.
Is fresh orange juice essential?
Fresh orange juice and zest really make the sauce pop with bright, natural flavor. You can use bottled juice in a pinch, but fresh will give your Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe that authentic vibrant taste.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together quickly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience because it delivers classic takeout flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The crispy chicken paired with that irresistible, glossy orange sauce is just heaven on a plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation and a crowd-pleaser for family and friends!
Print
Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe features crispy battered chicken pieces tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfectly golden and flavorful, it’s an easy homemade take on a classic favorite that you can enjoy served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cold water with the beaten egg thoroughly, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth batter.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip the bite-sized chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness when fried.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C), enough to submerge the chicken pieces for deep frying.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and crispy all over.
- Drain Chicken: Remove the fried chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer Sauce: Cook the sauce mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sugar to dissolve.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss the crispy fried chicken in the orange sauce until each piece is evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
- Meld Flavors: Cook the chicken and sauce together for 1-2 more minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to blend nicely.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce to the orange sauce.
- Ensure oil temperature remains consistent at 350°F to achieve crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated gently to avoid sogginess.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and soy sauce alternatives.
