Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Magic

Sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy Chinese orange chicken that dances with tangy, sweet flavors right from your own kitchen.

Every bite promises a culinary adventure that rivals takeout restaurants.

Zesty orange sauce coats delicate chicken pieces with an irresistible shine.

Home cooks can easily master this classic dish without complicated techniques.

Professional chefs secretly know simple ingredients create magical meals.

The combination of bright citrus and savory protein brings excitement to your dinner table.

Trust me, you’ll become the neighborhood’s most sought-after home cook with this incredible recipe.

Chinese Orange Chicken Questions Solved

• Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy, golden-brown coating on the chicken that stays crunchy even after adding the sauce. It also helps thicken the orange sauce and gives it a smooth, glossy texture.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. The coating and sauce will taste just as delicious.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350F (175C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and turns golden within 10 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit entirely. If you want more kick, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Why Chinese Orange Chicken Tastes So Good

• Crispy Culinary Adventure: Dive into a mouthwatering journey of perfectly golden-brown chicken with a vibrant orange sauce that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Whip up this delectable dish in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners that will impress the entire family.
• Texture Sensation: Experience the ultimate contrast between the crunchy, crispy exterior of the chicken and the smooth, tangy orange sauce that delivers an explosion of flavors in every single bite.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and perfect for both mild and bold palates.

What You’ll Use For Chinese Orange Chicken

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Tender meat that creates the main protein of the dish, boneless and skinless for easy coating and cooking.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Crispy exterior that helps create a golden, crunchy texture for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken, creating a smooth and even coating.

• Orange Juice: Provides the signature citrus taste and natural sweetness to the sauce.
• Orange Zest: Adds intense orange flavor and aromatic citrus notes.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to balance the sweet orange flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and brightness to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory elements, creating a harmonious sweet-and-sour profile.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and traditional Asian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Cornstarch (for slurry): Thickens the sauce to create a glossy, clingy texture.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds color and brightness.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty flavor and decorative crunch.
• White Rice, Fried Rice, Noodles: Classic accompaniments that complement the chicken.

Steps To Cook Chinese Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs

Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Dunk each chicken piece into beaten eggs, then roll thoroughly in the flour mixture. Gently shake off extra coating.

Step 2: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Aim for about 2 inches of oil, warmed to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes until chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches complete internal cooking. Use tongs to transfer crispy chicken onto paper towel-lined plates for excess oil drainage.

Step 3: Create Zesty Orange Sauce

• Orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sugar
• Orange zest
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Heat mixture over medium temperature. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then slowly pour into sauce. Stir until sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency.

Step 4: Coat Chicken With Tangy Sauce

Transfer crispy chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour warm orange sauce over chicken. Use a spatula to gently toss, ensuring each piece gets completely coated with the vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Serve And Garnish

Arrange saucy chicken on a beautiful serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Accompany with steamed white rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy immediately while chicken remains wonderfully crisp and sauce stays warm.

Chinese Orange Chicken Tips For Great Results

• Coat Chicken Perfectly: Shake off excess flour mixture to prevent thick, clumpy breading that can become soggy or greasy.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350F for crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy orange sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Batch Frying Technique: Work in small batches to keep oil temperature stable and prevent chicken pieces from becoming greasy or soggy.
• Zest Boost: Add extra orange zest for more intense citrus flavor and aromatic brightness in the final dish.

How To Store And Warm Up Chinese Orange Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing sauce-coated chicken to prevent texture changes.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to keep crispy exterior.
• Microwave Option: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain moisture. Stop heating once chicken is thoroughly warmed.

Perfect Matches For Chinese Orange Chicken

• Craft the Perfect Wine Companion: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling that balances the tangy orange sauce's zesty profile and cuts through the chicken's rich, fried texture.
• Elevate with Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Enjoy a cold Japanese beer like Sapporo or Asahi, whose light, clean flavor complements the dish's bold orange and spicy undertones without overwhelming the palate.
• Match with Complementary Side Dishes: Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like baby bok choy or snap peas to add freshness and balanced nutrition, creating a harmonious plate that enhances the orange chicken's vibrant flavors.
• Boost with Aromatic Rice Option: Prepare jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious orange sauce, providing a fragrant and soft base that perfectly absorbs the dish's rich, tangy essence.

Ways To Make Chinese Orange Chicken Your Own

• Spicy Chili Orange Chicken: Amp up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce, creating a fiery version that will make taste buds tingle with excitement.
• Honey Glazed Orange Chicken: Replace some sugar with honey for a deeper, richer sweetness that caramelizes beautifully and adds a luxurious golden sheen to the chicken.
• Crispy Baked Orange Chicken: Skip the deep-frying and bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 425F for 20-25 minutes, achieving a healthier yet still crispy alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Citrus Fusion Orange Chicken: Incorporate a blend of orange, lemon, and lime zests to create a more complex citrus profile that brings an unexpected brightness to the classic dish.

Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable chinese orange chicken brings zesty citrus magic to classic takeout comfort. Crispy golden chicken pieces glazed with tangy orange sauce create a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Sauce Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Frying and Garnish:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty coating by blending flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Create a smooth egg wash for dipping chicken pieces, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated and excess mixture is gently shaken off.
2. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil, heating to a precise 350F, creating a sizzling environment for frying. Carefully introduce chicken pieces in small batches, allowing each to transform into a golden-brown delicacy without overcrowding the cooking surface. Utilize paper towels to absorb excess oil, maintaining a crisp exterior.
3. Construct a vibrant orange sauce by combining orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Encourage a gentle simmer, then introduce a cornstarch slurry to elevate the sauce’s complexity and consistency, stirring until it reaches a luxurious thickness.
4. Reunite the crispy chicken with the aromatic orange sauce, employing a delicate tossing technique to ensure each piece is lavishly glazed and infused with explosive flavor.
5. Elevate the presentation by transferring the glistening chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. Accompany the dish with steamed white rice, fragrant fried rice, or delicate noodles for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep chicken in advance by cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and crispy coating.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure oil maintains consistent 350F temperature, preventing soggy or burned chicken.
• Substitute cornstarch with rice flour for gluten-free version, creating equally crispy exterior.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help flour mixture adhere better and create crunchier texture.
• Can reduce sugar in sauce for less sweet profile or use honey as alternative sweetener.
• Allow chicken to rest after coating to help breading set firmly before frying.
• For lighter version, bake coated chicken at 425F for 20-25 minutes instead of deep-frying.
• Swap vegetable oil with peanut oil for more authentic Chinese restaurant-style flavor and higher smoke point.
• Add fresh orange segments at end for extra citrus burst and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg