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orange chicken-1

Orange Chicken

This classic Orange Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken bites tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. Perfect for a family meal or casual entertaining, this dish brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 2 cm pieces
  • 60 g cornstarch
  • 60 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 500 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 240 ml orange juice (preferably fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat) Adjust to taste.
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced garnish
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 knife
  • 1 large frying pan or wok
  • 1 slotted spoon
  • 1 paper towels
  • 1 small saucepan
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture until well-coated. Place coated chicken on a plate.
  2. Pour the vegetable oil into a large frying pan or wok and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir into the sauce. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until thickened and glossy.
  5. Place the fried chicken in a large clean bowl, pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken, and toss gently to coat all the pieces.
  6. Plate the orange chicken and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed white rice or fried rice.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double-fry the chicken pieces: fry first until pale golden, drain, then fry again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden.
You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Adjust sugar and chili flakes to taste.