Chinese Orange Chicken
Authentic Chinese Chinese Orange Chicken — a delicious chicken dish with 20 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.
20
Prep Time (min)
4
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
430
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- Zest of 1 Orange
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seed Oil
- 1 cup Sugar
- 650 g Chicken Thighs
- 2 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves chopped Garlic
- 1 chopped Shallots
- Sliced Scallions
- Garnish Sesame Seed
- To serve Rice
Instructions
12 steps · ~102 minutes total
Step 1
Make the orange sauce:
3 minutesStep 2
Whisk together sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside. Prep the chicken:
5 minutesUse room-temperature ingredients for better volume when whisking.Step 3
Cut chicken into about 1-inch cubes. Whisk eggs with salt and black pepper in a bowl and add chicken. Stir together.
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cornstarch. Remove chicken from eggs with a slotted spoon or tongs, letting excess egg drain off, then transfer to cornstarch mixture and coat well. Fry the chicken:
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 5
Add oil to a large 10- to 12-inch skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also test the temperature by sprinkling in some flour. If the oil is hot enough, it should fizzle immediately.
10 minutesStep 6
Once oil is hot, fry the chicken in two batches. The oil might not completely cover the chicken—that’s okay. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 3 to 4 more minutes. Total cook time is about 6 to 8 minutes.
8 minutesTest the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.Step 7
Remove fried chicken cubes and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, so the chicken can drain. Repeat until all the chicken is cooked.
2 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 8
Simmer the chicken in the sauce:
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 9
Once chicken is done, pour out hot oil and wipe pan clean. Add a fresh tablespoon of oil along with chopped garlic and shallot. Cook for a minute and then add the sauce. Simmer the sauce until it starts to thicken.
15 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 10
Once the sauce is lightly bubbling, add fried chicken and toss together to coat. The sauce should continue to thicken and stick to the chicken. Let simmer for a minute or two more. Serve orange chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh scallions.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.Step 11
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3 minutesStep 12
LEFTOVERS! The orange chicken keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat. Freeze the orange chicken for up to 3 months, but be sure to thaw it before reheating so the chicken doesn’t clump together.
10 minutes
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your chinese meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Chinese Orange Chicken is a beloved dish from Chinese cuisine, originating in China. With a total preparation time of about 24 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.
Chinese cuisine is one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions in the world, with thousands of years of history. Each of China's eight major regional cuisines offers unique flavors and cooking techniques.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 20 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use chicken breast for a leaner option.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
