Better-Than-Takeout Chinese Orange Chicken!
Craving that crispy, sticky, sweet & tangy orange chicken from your favorite takeout spot?
This easy, foolproof recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy chicken coated in a zesty, flavorful orange sauce—made fresh at home in just 35 minutes!
No mystery ingredients, no greasy aftertaste—just pure, addictive flavor.
Serve it over rice, sprinkle on some green onions, and watch it disappear fast.
Let’s get cooking!
For Chinese Orange Chicken
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and get perfectly crispy when fried.
- Eggs – Helps the coating stick to the chicken for a crispy texture.
- Cornstarch – Essential for achieving that light, crispy coating on the chicken.
- Flour – Combines with cornstarch to give the chicken an extra crunch.
- Salt – A simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Oil – For deep frying the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Orange Chicken Sauce
- Orange Juice – The base of the sauce, providing a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- Rice Vinegar (or White Vinegar) – Brings a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor.
- Soy Sauce – Adds depth and umami to the sauce. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Ginger – A touch of warmth and spice that complements the citrusy sauce.
- Garlic Powder (or Fresh Garlic) – Gives the sauce a savory kick.
- Red Chili Flakes – Adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
- Orange Zest – Boosts the fresh orange flavor in the sauce.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken perfectly.
For Garnish
- Green Onions – Adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Orange Zest – Enhances the citrusy aroma and taste.
Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 eggs, whisked
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup flour
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced)
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Additional orange zest
Instructions
Prepare the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture. Set aside.
- Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Assemble & Serve:
- Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the orange sauce until evenly coate
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and extra orange zest.
- Enjoy with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal!
How can I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
For extra crispy chicken, try double frying. After your first fry, let the chicken rest and then fry it again for a minute or two until golden. This ensures the coating stays crispy even after tossing in the sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the orange sauce up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready, just reheat it before coating your freshly fried chicken.
What can I serve this with?
Orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. These sides help balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and use cornstarch instead of flour for the chicken coating. Double-check your vinegar and other ingredients to make sure they’re gluten-free too!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes! If you like it spicier, add more red chili flakes to the sauce or stir in a chopped fresh chili while cooking. Adjust it according to your heat preference for the perfect level of spice.
