Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Crispy, tangy chinese orange chicken brings a burst of excitement to your dinner table.

Bright citrus notes dance with perfectly golden-brown chicken pieces, creating a symphony of flavors.

Home cooks adore this restaurant-style dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Zesty orange sauce coats each morsel with a delightful combination of sweet and savory elements.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Tender chicken pieces gleam with a glossy, irresistible coating that promises pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Chinese Orange Chicken

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent burning, and heat for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed. Drizzle extra sauce to refresh flavor.
• Avoid repeated reheating, as this can make the chicken tough and compromise its crispy coating. Consume within the first two days for the best taste and texture.

Serving Combos for Chinese Orange Chicken

• Fluffy white jasmine rice absorbs the tangy orange sauce perfectly, creating a balanced and delightful base that complements the crispy chicken's texture.
• A slightly sweet Riesling cuts through the dish's richness, its bright acidity matching the citrusy notes of the orange chicken and cleansing the palate between bites.
• A crisp cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in a light rice vinegar dressing provides a fresh, cool contrast to the warm, zesty chicken, adding textural excitement to your meal.
• Thinly sliced green onions sprinkled on top bring a subtle sharpness and vibrant color, adding a fresh herbal note that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Try These Creative Takes on Chinese Orange Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free rice flour blend. Use cornstarch as the primary coating for crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap flour mixture with crushed pork rinds or ground almond meal. Season with similar spices for a keto-friendly chicken option.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Cut into similar-sized pieces and follow the same coating and cooking process.
• Baked Health Option: Instead of deep-frying, place coated pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray with olive oil and bake at 425°F until golden and crispy, reducing overall oil content.

Questions About Chinese Orange Chicken? We’ve Got You

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts provide a leaner option.

• How can I make the coating extra crispy?

Pat the chicken pieces completely dry before coating, and ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350-375°F) before frying. This helps create a crisp, golden exterior.

• Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as fried, it’s a healthier alternative.

• Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Use cornstarch as it’s naturally gluten-free, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

The Bold Flavors of Chinese Orange Chicken

• The crispy coating and sweet-tangy orange sauce make this dish a guaranteed hit with children and picky eaters, transforming dinnertime into a joyful experience.
• Easily adaptable for different protein preferences, this recipe works brilliantly with chicken, and can be served over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Uses common pantry staples like flour, cornstarch, and basic spices, eliminating the need for hard-to-find ingredients and making preparation stress-free for home chefs.

What Goes Into Chinese Orange Chicken

• Chicken: Tender protein base that absorbs delicious orange flavors and creates a crispy exterior when coated.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that helps chicken become golden and crunchy.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to the coating, enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the chicken's natural taste and provide balanced seasoning.

• Eggs: Helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken, creating a smooth and even layer for frying.

Step-by-Step to Make Chinese Orange Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour Mixture

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended, creating a fragrant and flavorful coating base.

Step 2: Bread The Chicken Pieces

Dip each chicken piece into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Then transfer the egg-coated chicken directly into the seasoned flour mixture. Gently press the flour mixture onto the chicken, making sure every surface is evenly coated. Carefully shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping during cooking.

Step 3: Shake Off Excess Coating

Hold the chicken piece over the bowl and lightly tap to remove loose flour. This step ensures a crisp, even coating that will create a delightful crunch when fried. The goal is to have a thin, adherent layer of seasoned flour that will transform into a golden, crispy exterior.

Pro Tips for Juicy Chinese Orange Chicken

• Coat Evenly: Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated with the flour mixture, gently pressing the coating to help it adhere and create a crispy texture.
• Prevent Clumping: Use a fork or chopsticks when dipping chicken into eggs and flour to keep your hands clean and prevent the coating from becoming thick and lumpy.
• Temperature Matters: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before coating to help the breading stick better and cook more evenly.
• Oil Depth Check: Use a deep pan with enough oil to cover chicken halfway, maintaining a consistent 350°F for golden, crispy results without burning.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain the crispy coating's crunchiness.

Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Chinese Orange Chicken delivers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy golden chicken pieces glazed with zesty orange sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Coating and Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (65 g) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) orange juice
• 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
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned coating mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container.
2. Dredge chicken pieces through beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Gently transfer egg-coated chicken into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to create an even, adherent coating.
4. Delicately shake off any surplus flour blend, allowing a thin, uniform layer to cling to the chicken surface.
5. Tap each coated chicken piece against the container’s edge to remove excess loose coating and create a crisp, light exterior.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juicier results compared to chicken breast.
• Allow chicken pieces to rest after coating to help the breading adhere better during frying, preventing it from falling off.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to ensure crispy exterior and better flour adherence.
• Opt for fresh orange juice and zest instead of bottled for more vibrant, authentic citrus flavor in the sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg