This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Chinese Orange Chicken made with crispy fried chicken covered in an authentic orange sauce. The ultimate Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe which is way better than take-out.
My kids are always begging me to take them to grab Chinese food. They are obsessed with orange chicken but I am never really sure what’s in it….especially if they get it from a drive-thru. I wanted to create a version at home, made from scratch, with all-natural ingredients. It still has the same incredible flavor they love. It’s definitely a win-win in our home.
It is wintertime in Arizona which means that the citrus is ripe for the picking. I am surrounded by neighbors who have a plethora of fresh oranges and lemons hanging from their trees. This is the perfect time of year to whip up orange and lemon dishes especially this Chinese Orange Chicken.
This Chinese Orange Chicken is made with boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces, dredged, and then fried until golden and crispy. The orange sauce is divine! It is a sweet orange sauce made with orange juice, vinegar, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red chili flakes, and orange zest. It is both sweet and spicy and full of flavor.
How to make Chinese Orange Chicken at home:
- Start with boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs. Cut into bite-size pieces. Dredge the chicken in whisked eggs and cornstarch/flour mixture until nice and coated. Get these chicken pieces ready for the oil.
- To make your homemade orange sauce, place orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes in a small pot and cook over medium-high heat. Add cornstarch and water and cook until thickened. Stir in orange zest.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When frying foods, it is so helpful to use a thermometer. Let the oil heat up to 350 degrees. Once the oil is ready, in batches, cook chicken for about 2 minutes until light golden brown. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Toss fried chicken with the sweet orange sauce. Top with grated orange zest and green onions. Serve immediately.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 Eggs whisked
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch
- 1/3 cup Flour
- Salt
- Oil for frying
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar or White Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce use tamari for a gluten-free dish
- 1/4 teaspoon Ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- Orange Zest from 1 orange
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
Garnish:
- Green Onions
- Orange Zest
Instructions
- To make orange sauce:
- In a medium pot, add orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat for 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of water to form a paste. Add to orange sauce and whisk together. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, until the mixture begins to thicken. Once the sauce is thickened, remove from heat and add orange zest.
- To make chicken:
- Place flour and cornstarch in a shallow dish or pie plate. Add a generous pinch of salt. Stir.
- Whisk eggs in shallow dish.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture and then flour mixture. Place on plate.
- Heat 2 -3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Using a thermometer, watch for it to reach 350 degrees.
- Working in batches, cook several chicken pieces at a time. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, turning often until golden brown. Place chicken on a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat.
- Toss chicken with orange sauce. You may reserve some of the sauce to place on rice. Serve it with a sprinkling of green onion and orange zest, if so desired.
Video
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Orange Chicken is going to make you forget take-out. Let me know how it turns out by reaching out on instagram at @modern_honey. Have a great night, my friends!
It was very delicious! I did not add the orange rind or the red chili flakes, but I will be sure to do so next time.
I love finding recipes for my favorite takeout foods, so I can control salt and other ingredients. On the other side, I find I appreciate the cooks/chefs who cook all day. It takes a lot of time (for me) to pull it all together and serve it.
its was really good dinner! thank you for sharing your recipe!
Made this tonight and it was soooo good. Sticky but who cares cuz the taste is awesome, if debating on trying I suggest you do
Good stuff made fried rice and and broccoli with it. Only thing not use to using zest and think I should have used a small orange instead of a big naval. Thanks will Mack again left a big mess in my kitchen though
Pretty good but the chicken needs seasoning in the flour mixture cuz its very bland
What seasonings do you think would be good for the chicken. I’m trying to get as close to take out as humanly possible lol
salt, pepper, and msg if you want that takeout flavor. most people get bland chicken/meat because they shy from putting in enough salt. the right amount of salt is necessary. start with a small amount, and keep tasting and adding until you can tell it can’t take any more.
Is it orange juice from concentrate that should be used or sweet carton oj
You can brine the chicken first as well with Himalayan salt , pepper, and cane sugar
I added a capful of rice vinegar and maybe 1/2-1 Tbs of cornstarch to the eggs and it makes the chicken very crispy and gives it a bit of flavor.
Used fresh minced ginger and the whole dish was delightful.
Excellent suggestion! (I love fresh ginger)
My family loved your recipie. We used Chicken thighs and it was wonderful.
Loved this recipe! I have never had much success with home-cooked Chinese food. It never quite tastes like the restaurant. However, this dish did! Any chance of working up a shrimp egg foo yung recipe? Would love to make that at home, Thanks.
What type of oil is used?
The sauce is outstanding! Wouldn’t change a thing.