1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Chinese Orange Chicken

Featured in Hearty and Delicious Meals.

This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a takeout favorite right in your kitchen. The chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden brown. The star of the dish is the orange sauce, a perfect blend of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and aromatics that creates that signature sweet-tangy flavor. What makes this version special is the balance of textures and the bright, fresh orange taste that really shines through. The sauce thickens to coat each piece of chicken perfectly, while garnishes of green onion and orange zest add a fresh finishing touch. It's an approachable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:29:32 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A bowl of chicken and rice with a side of orange slices. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and rice with a side of orange slices. | recipebyme.com

Irresistibly crispy chicken pieces bathed in a glossy orange sauce create this beloved Chinese restaurant classic right in your home kitchen. The bright citrus aroma mingles with subtle ginger and garlic notes, promising a dish that rivals your favorite takeout version. This orange chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that brings authentic Asian flavors to your table.

After countless attempts at perfecting this recipe, I've discovered that double-coating the chicken creates that signature crunch that keeps my family coming back for seconds. The orange sauce has become a staple in our home, with my children often requesting "that chicken with the sunny sauce."

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Offer more flavor and moisture than breast meat, staying tender even when fried at high temperatures.
  • Fresh orange juice and zest: Provide natural sweetness and intense citrus flavor that bottled juice simply cannot match.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds the perfect tang while maintaining the sauce's authentic Asian profile.
  • Light soy sauce: Introduces umami depth without overwhelming the citrus notes.
  • Fresh ginger root: Brings a warm, spicy undertone that dried versions cannot replicate.

Let's Create Orange Chicken

Preparation:
Start by cutting your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces, ensuring even cooking throughout. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness.
Creating The Coating:
Mix your cornstarch and flour in a shallow bowl, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until completely smooth.
The Perfect Dredge:
Dip each chicken piece first in egg, then thoroughly coat in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage. Place on a wire rack to rest while preparing remaining pieces.
Sauce Magic:
Combine fresh orange juice, zest, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant. Incorporate red chili flakes for gentle heat. Simmer until reduced by one-third.
The Frying Process:
Heat oil to exactly 350°F in a deep pot. Working in small batches, fry chicken pieces until deeply golden, about 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Final Assembly:
Pour hot orange sauce over crispy chicken pieces, tossing gently to coat every morsel. Garnish with fresh orange zest and sliced green onions.
A plate of chicken with rice and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of chicken with rice and vegetables. | recipebyme.com

My family particularly loves the orange zest in this recipe. My grandmother taught me that adding extra zest at the end brightens the entire dish, a tip that transformed my orange chicken from good to exceptional.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this vibrant chicken over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas provide the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.

Make It Your Own

Create a spicier version by doubling the chili flakes and adding a dash of Szechuan peppercorns. For a lighter option, try air-frying the chicken pieces at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Keep It Fresh

Store leftover chicken separate from sauce in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat chicken pieces in a 375°F oven until crispy, then toss with rewarmed sauce.

A bowl of chicken and rice with a slice of orange on the side. Pin it
A bowl of chicken and rice with a slice of orange on the side. | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that the key to restaurant-quality orange chicken lies in the balance between crispy texture and sauce consistency. This version brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dish that consistently earns rave reviews at family gatherings and potlucks alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make orange chicken ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. Fry the chicken just before serving to maintain crispiness.
→ What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well since they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and often stay more tender than breast meat.
→ How do I store leftover orange chicken?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to help restore some crispiness.
→ What can I serve with orange chicken?
Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian slaw make perfect side dishes.

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Learn how to make irresistible Chinese Orange Chicken with crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in a homemade sweet and zesty orange sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Chinese-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Coating

01 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 3 fresh eggs
03 1/3 cup cornstarch
04 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
05 A generous pinch of salt
06 Vegetable oil for frying

→ Orange Sauce

07 1 cup fresh orange juice
08 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
10 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
12 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
13 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
14 Zest of 1 fresh orange
15 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

→ For Garnish

16 Fresh green onions, sliced
17 Extra orange zest for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 01

Combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes in a medium pot. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 02

Whisk together cornstarch and water to create a smooth paste. Stir this into your simmering sauce and cook for 5 more minutes until it becomes thick and glossy. Take it off the heat and stir in that fresh orange zest for an extra burst of citrus.

Step 03

Mix flour, cornstarch, and a generous pinch of salt in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs until well combined.

Step 04

Dip each piece of chicken first in the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.

Step 05

Heat oil to 350°F (about 2-3 inches deep) in a heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 06

Toss the crispy chicken pieces in your warm orange sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and extra orange zest. Serve hot, with extra sauce on the side for drizzling over rice if desired.

Notes

  1. This homemade version of Chinese Orange Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen, with a perfect balance of crispy chicken and sweet-tangy orange sauce.
  2. Save any leftover sauce to serve over rice or vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
  • Cooking thermometer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Shallow dishes for coating
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat/gluten (from flour and soy sauce)
  • Contains soy