The Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is sweet, crispy and full of flavor. It is loved by many people. You often see it in Chinese restaurants.
Now you can make it at home. This guide shows how to make Chinese Orange Chicken easily. The steps are simple. The taste is amazing.
You will also learn the best ingredients for Chinese Orange Chicken. This homemade Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is fresh, tasty and family friendly.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this recipe on a weekend evening. I wanted something sweet and crispy. This dish was perfect. The chicken turned golden and crunchy. The orange sauce smelled fresh and bright.
My family loved every bite. It tasted better than takeout. Now I make it often. It feels special but easy. This recipe always brings smiles to the table.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Chinese Orange Chicken
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan or wok
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Ingredients You Need for Chinese Orange Chicken
For the Chicken
- 500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken in a bowl. Add salt and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
2. Coat the Chicken
Add eggs to the chicken. Mix gently. Add cornstarch and coat all pieces well.
3. Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a pan. Keep medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
4. Fry the Chicken
Fry chicken pieces in batches. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
5. Drain the Chicken
Remove chicken from oil. Place on paper towels. Let excess oil drain fully.
6. Make the Sauce
Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, honey and vinegar to a saucepan.
7. Cook the Sauce
Heat sauce on medium heat. Stir often. Add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
8. Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water. Add to sauce. Stir until sauce thickens nicely.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add fried chicken to the sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are coated.
10. Serve Hot
Remove from heat. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Fry chicken twice for extra crispiness.
- Adjust sugar for more or less sweetness.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chinese Orange Chicken hot and fresh. It tastes best with steamed rice. White rice works well. Brown rice is also good.
You can sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add green onions for color. This dish is great for lunch or dinner. It also works well for family gatherings.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Spring rolls
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on the stove for best results.
Add a little water to loosen sauce. Avoid microwave if possible. The chicken may lose crispiness. Freshly cooked tastes the best.

Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500 g boneless chicken breast cut into bite pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken in a bowl. Add salt and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Coat the Chicken
- Add eggs to the chicken. Mix gently. Add cornstarch and coat all pieces well.
Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in a pan. Keep medium heat. Oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the Chicken
- Fry chicken pieces in batches. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
Drain the Chicken
- Remove chicken from oil. Place on paper towels. Let excess oil drain fully.
Make the Sauce
- Add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, honey and vinegar to a saucepan.
Cook the Sauce
- Heat sauce on medium heat. Stir often. Add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
Thicken the Sauce
- Mix cornstarch with water. Add to sauce. Stir until sauce thickens nicely.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add fried chicken to the sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are coated.
Serve Hot
- Remove from heat. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Fry chicken twice for extra crispiness.
- Adjust sugar for more or less sweetness.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
FAQs about Chinese Orange Chicken
Is Chinese Orange Chicken very spicy?
No, this dish is not spicy. It is sweet and tangy. You can add chili flakes if desired.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. They stay juicy. Cut them into small even pieces.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it. The texture will be different. It will be less crispy.
Is this recipe healthy?
This recipe is homemade and fresh. You can reduce sugar. Use less oil if needed.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made early. Store it in the fridge. Reheat before use.
Conclusion
This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is easy and delicious. It tastes better than takeout. You now know how to make Chinese Orange Chicken at home.
The steps are simple and clear. The ingredients for Chinese Orange Chicken are easy to find. Try this recipe today. Enjoy crispy chicken and fresh orange flavor with your loved ones.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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