Name: Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs, or 3 chicken breasts); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large egg; 1 ¼ cups water; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, etc.); Vegetable oil (for frying, amount depends on pan size); 1 large orange (juice and zest); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar); 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 large garlic cloves (minced, or 1 tsp garlic powder); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make slurry); Sesame seeds (optional); Green onions (chopped); Red pepper flakes (optional)

I have a special place in my heart for this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe because it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crispy all in one bite. Every time I make it, the bright orange sauce paired with tender, fried chicken pieces brings back memories of cozy dinners and lively family gatherings. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and homemade, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy that same delicious experience in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

What truly makes this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe stand out for me is the incredible flavor profile. The sauce is vibrant and fresh with real orange juice and zest, giving it a natural brightness that cuts through the richness of the crispy fried chicken. The combination of brown sugar and rice vinegar adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that’s exciting on your palate.

Besides the amazing taste, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. The batter is easy to mix up, and while the chicken needs some chilling time for the best texture, the actual cooking process is pretty quick. It feels like a fancy restaurant dish, but you can have it on your table in about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s one of those meals that’s impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weeknight treat.

I’ve served this at family dinners, casual parties, and even for a comforting solo meal, and it works wonderfully every time. The crispy chicken coated in that sticky, glossy orange sauce just makes every occasion feel a little more festive and fun. If you’re looking for a homemade recipe that WOWs guests and satisfies cravings, this one is a total winner.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with raw, pale pink chicken pieces in the center on a white marbled surface. Surrounding it are small white bowls with different ingredients: on the top left, three white eggs; to the right, a small bowl of bright reddish-brown seasoning; next to that, a bowl filled with a mix of deep red spices. On the left side, there is a wooden bowl holding a dark liquid, and beside it, another wooden bowl with three cracked eggs showing bright yellow yolks in clear egg whites. Below and slightly to the right is a white bowl filled with white flour with a spoon inside. On the far right, there is a glass of orange juice next to a halved orange with bright orange flesh and peel. The overall colors range from pale pink, white, orange, yellow, and deep red. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe are simple and approachable, yet each one plays an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the crispy coating to the luscious orange sauce, every component comes together to deliver a vibrant dish that's both satisfying and eye-catching.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and have more flavor than breasts.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch: These create that perfect crunchy coating when fried.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the batter, helping it cling to the chicken pieces.
Orange (juice and zest): The star of this dish, bringing fresh citrus brightness and fragrance.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar: These balance the sweetness of the brown sugar with savoriness and acidity.
Brown sugar: Provides rich sweetness that enhances the sauce’s caramelized notes.
Garlic: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor that rounds out the sauce.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection.
Optional garnishes (sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes): These give a fresh crunch, color contrast, and a hint of heat.

Directions

Step 1: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly and fit perfectly with the sauce coating each piece.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the egg, vegetable oil, and water, whisking until you get a smooth batter. This mixture will give you that irresistible crispy crust.

Step 3: Toss the chicken cubes into the batter, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to help the batter stick better. If you’re in a rush, even 10 minutes will work.

Step 4: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or deep fryer to 350˚F (177˚C). You want the oil hot enough to crisp the chicken quickly without absorbing too much oil.

Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches of 10-15 pieces, shaking off excess batter before dropping them in. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove them onto a plate lined with paper towels and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 6: To make the sauce, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil, tasting and adjusting the sweetness or tanginess as you like.

Step 7: Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry and slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon — this usually happens quickly.

Step 8: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss well to make sure every piece is covered in that glossy, flavorful orange glaze.

Step 9: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat and beautiful color contrast. Serve immediately and get ready to dig in!

Servings and Timing

This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. The prep time, including chilling the batter, takes around 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much time you have. Cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce will take about 15-20 minutes, making the total time roughly 30-40 minutes from start to finish. There’s no additional resting time after cooking, so you can enjoy this dish piping hot right away.

How to Serve This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with fluffy white rice at the bottom layer. On top, there are several pieces of golden-brown crispy chicken coated in shiny orange sauce, giving a sticky and glazed look. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, and two small orange slices with bright skin and juicy texture are placed on top for garnish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this orange chicken with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce. For a complete meal, adding simple stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas gives a great crunch and contrasts beautifully with the sweet sauce. You could also serve it with a fresh cucumber salad to brighten the plate and add a cool balance to the warm chicken.

Presentation-wise, I always sprinkle extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top right before serving — it just makes the dish look so inviting and colorful. A wedge of fresh orange on the side adds a pretty touch plus a burst of citrus aroma. For drink pairings, I recommend a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light, fizzy cocktail to cut through the sweetness. If you’re going non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with lemon or a light iced green tea works wonders.

This dish is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings because it’s flavorful, fun, and feels special without requiring hours of work. I like serving it hot or warm, fresh from the pan, so every bite is crispy and saucy. For portion sizes, 3-4 pieces per person usually hits the spot along with sides.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you want a lighter option, using chicken breast instead of thighs gives you a leaner protein without sacrificing the delicious sauce. For gluten-free eating, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free too.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you can swap the chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Just adjust the frying time since these ingredients cook differently but will absorb that orange sauce beautifully. For a little twist, try adding some fresh ginger to the sauce or a splash of chili garlic sauce to amp up the heat and complexity.

Instead of deep-frying, you can also pan-fry the chicken in a bit of oil for a slightly lighter version, or bake it in the oven on a wire rack at a high temperature to get a crispy texture with less oil. These methods take a bit more time but work well if you want to avoid deep frying.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use glass or BPA-free plastic containers that seal tightly to keep the chicken crisp for as long as possible. Leftover chicken will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, first let the chicken cool completely. Then spread pieces out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. The sauce can be frozen separately if you like. Frozen orange chicken will keep for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat and restore crispiness, I recommend warming the chicken in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This keeps the coating from getting soggy. You can reheat the sauce on the stove and then toss the chicken in it just before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the chicken rubbery and the sauce less vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, especially if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that breast meat can dry out faster, so watch your frying time carefully to keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so it doesn’t need substitution. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy texture and delicious flavor without gluten.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the orange sauce a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but I suggest reheating it gently and adding the freshly fried chicken just before serving for the best texture and taste. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you might need to whisk in a little water when reheating.

What can I serve with Chinese Orange Chicken?

It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers. Adding a fresh salad or some simple pickled veggies also complements the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes! Baking is a great alternative if you want to reduce oil. Coat the chicken as usual and bake on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Conclusion

I hope you absolutely love making and eating this Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those special dishes that feels like a treat but comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this meal brings warmth, flavor, and joy to the table. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation!