Chinese Orange Chicken

A crispy, golden chicken coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce, this Chinese Orange Chicken recipe is my homemade take on a beloved takeout classic. With its flavorful sauce and crunchy chicken, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving for comfort food with an Asian twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy to prepare at home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

The orange sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy if you add red pepper flakes.

You get restaurant-quality taste with ingredients that are easy to find.

It’s customizable—swap in your favorite protein or adjust the spice level.

It pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

1/4 cup granulated sugar

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

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

In a separate bowl, I mix the cold water and beaten egg. I then combine the wet and dry ingredients into a smooth batter.

I coat the chicken pieces evenly in the batter.

Fry the Chicken:

I heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Carefully, I fry the battered chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.

I remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.

Make the Orange Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, I combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

I simmer the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

I add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it’s glossy.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

I toss the fried chicken into the orange sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

I cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully meld the flavors.

Serve:

I garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, serving the dish over steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.

Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and tamari for the flour and soy sauce.

Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra heat.

Low-Sugar: Replace the sugar with honey or a natural sweetener like monk fruit.

Vegetarian: Use cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To maintain the crispy texture, I reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, I use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.

Related Recipes:

• Chinese Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Easy Orange Chicken
• Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

FAQs

How can I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

I recommend placing the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it crispy.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I suggest making the sauce ahead of time and frying the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables are perfect sides for this dish.

Can I freeze Orange Chicken?

I don’t recommend freezing once the sauce is combined with the chicken, as it may become soggy. However, the sauce and chicken can be frozen separately.

Conclusion

Chinese Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a tangy, sweet orange glaze. It’s a perfect homemade alternative to takeout, offering flexibility and rich flavors. Whether served over rice or paired with veggies, it’s a meal that I love to prepare for family and friends. Give it a try, and let it become one of your favorites!

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