Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Irresistibly crispy chicken tossed in a bold, citrusy orange sauce — Chinese Orange Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This homemade version nails the balance of crunch and flavor without the grease or preservatives you get from fast food joints.
Not only will you learn how to make Chinese orange chicken step-by-step, but this post also covers everything from calories and health concerns to serving ideas and variations — plus SEO-rich answers to the most asked questions!
A Quick History of Orange Chicken
You may be surprised to know that this dish is not from traditional Chinese cuisine. It originated in the 1980s at a Panda Express in California. Inspired by sweet-and-sour Cantonese flavors, it was adapted for American tastes with a sweeter, thicker sauce.
Despite its American roots, orange chicken has become synonymous with Chinese American food and is now a global comfort classic.
What Is Chinese Orange Chicken?
Chinese Orange Chicken features crispy battered chicken coated in a tangy, sweet, orange-based sauce. The key flavors come from fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger — creating a rich and sticky glaze that clings to every crunchy bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and golden outside, tender and juicy inside
- A bold and balanced homemade orange sauce
- Quick and simple — perfect for weeknights
- Made with real, fresh ingredients
- Better than takeout, and more affordable too
- You control what goes in (no MSG, no additives!)
My Personal Experience
After dozens of trial runs, I found that double-coating and resting the chicken before frying gives the crispiest texture. My kids now refer to it as “that happy orange chicken.” Even my picky eater cleans her plate — every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Cooking thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Tongs or a slotted spoon
- Wire rack (optional but great for draining fried chicken)
Preparation Time
- Prep & Marinate Chicken 15 minutes
- Cook Orange Sauce 10 minutes
- Fry Chicken 15 minutes
- Total Time 35-40 minutes
Taste & Texture
Expect a perfect contrast between the crunchy chicken and velvety orange glaze. The sauce is sweet, tangy, citrusy, with hints of garlic, ginger, and a mild kick of spice — an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp freshly grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Extra orange zest
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange zest.
Step 2: Prepare and Coat the Chicken
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat dry.
- Beat eggs in a bowl.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg, then in the dry mix. Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Combine
- Toss fried chicken in the warm orange sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and orange zest.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Orange Chicken
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for natural, bright citrus flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying — it drops oil temperature.
- Double-dip and rest coated chicken before frying for crunchier results.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier texture (bonus: they’re more forgiving).
- Keep sauce separate if making ahead — combine only before serving.
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Want it spicier? Add 1 tsp Sriracha or crushed Sichuan peppercorns.
- No rice vinegar? Substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and GF flour mix.
- Air Fryer Method? Cook coated chicken at 400°F for 12-14 mins, flipping halfway.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Chinese Orange Chicken with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Fried rice or noodles
- Cucumber salad or Asian slaw
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container (separate sauce and chicken for best results).
- Keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F until crisp. Reheat sauce separately and toss right before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Healthy Chinese Orange Chicken: Air fry or bake instead of deep-frying.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu cubes or cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Keto Option: Skip sugar and use a sugar-free orange sweetener and almond flour for coating.
- Low-Calorie Tip: Skip frying and sauté the chicken in minimal oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What is Chinese Orange Chicken?
It’s a crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet, tangy, orange-flavored sauce, popular in Chinese American cuisine.
→ How to make Chinese Orange Chicken crispy?
Use cornstarch, rest the battered chicken before frying, and fry at 350°F in small batches.
→ Is Chinese Orange Chicken healthy?
It depends. The homemade version is much healthier than takeout, especially if air-fried or baked.
→ What are the calories in Chinese Orange Chicken?
One serving typically has 380–420 calories depending on the cooking method and portion size.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce ahead. Fry chicken fresh before serving for best results.
Nutrition Chart (Per Serving)
- Nutrient Amount
- Calories 410 kcal
- Protein 28g
- Fat 17g
- Carbohydrates 36g
- Sugar 14g
- Fiber 1g
- Sodium 690mg
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe isn’t just easy — it’s better than takeout, budget-friendly, and totally customizable. With its bold citrus flavor, crunchy texture, and irresistible sauce, this dish will become a go-to in your kitchen.
So, whether you're wondering “what is Chinese orange chicken”, or just looking for the best Chinese orange chicken recipe that’s worth bookmarking, this post has you covered.
Ready to impress your family tonight? 🍊
Try this recipe and let your kitchen smell like your favorite Chinese restaurant — minus the takeout bill!
