Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

why make this recipe

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of crispy chicken and a sweet, tangy sauce. Making it at home means you can adjust the flavors to your liking and avoid any preservatives often found in takeout options. Plus, it’s a fun meal to share with family and friends!

how to make Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then coat them with the flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
4. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
5. In another saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic; simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add the fried chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

how to serve Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken is best served hot. Place the orange chicken on a plate and drizzle some extra sauce on top for added flavor. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for a nice touch. This dish goes perfectly with steamed rice or fried rice, but you can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.

how to store Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken can last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a pan. Just make sure to heat it gently to keep the chicken crispy.

tips to make Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

1. For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it in egg and then the flour mixture again before frying.
2. Adjust the sugar and orange juice according to your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar, or if you prefer a tangier flavor, add more orange juice.
3. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to get that crispy exterior.
4. If you want to make it a complete meal, add some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce.

variation

You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking so it fries evenly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Just fry the chicken and make the sauce closer to serving time for the best results.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour and soy sauce, such as tamari.

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

This recipe guides you through making crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and savory orange sauce, perfect for a homemade takeout experience.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1.5 lb Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces

Marinade

• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce low sodium
• 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 0.5 tsp Ginger grated
• 1 clove Garlic minced

Batter

• 0.5 cup All-purpose Flour
• 0.25 cup Cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 Egg
• 0.25 cup Water
• 3 cup Vegetable Oil for frying

Orange Sauce

• 0.75 cup Orange Juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp Orange Zest
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce low sodium
• 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 0.5 cup Sugar
• 0.5 tsp Ginger grated
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Water for slurry

Garnish (optional)

• Green Onions sliced
• Sesame Seeds

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Deep Pot or Skillet
• Thermometer
• Wire Rack
• Saucepan
• Spatula or Tongs

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic; marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, egg, and water in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Dip each marinated chicken piece into the prepared batter, ensuring it's fully coated.

Cooking

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C), then carefully fry battered chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
2. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using); bring to a simmer.
3. Whisk cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then gradually add it to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the fried chicken to the thickened orange sauce and toss to coat evenly, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry the chicken pieces: fry for 2-3 minutes, remove, let cool slightly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until extra golden and crisp.