Craving that crispy, sweet, and tangy flavor from your favorite Chinese takeout? What if you could recreate the perfect Chinese Orange Chicken at home with just a few ingredients? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, making an easy orange chicken recipe is simpler than you might think. This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe easy combines the crispy crunch of golden-fried chicken with the mouthwatering, citrusy sweetness of orange sauce, sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So, let’s dive into this authentic orange chicken recipe and discover how to make this iconic dish right in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
History of Orange Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Fusion
Origin of Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is one of the standout dishes in American-Chinese cuisine, with its roots in Chinese-style cooking adapted to suit American tastes. While traditional Chinese cuisine rarely features oranges or sweet, tangy sauces, this dish emerged in the U.S. as part of the Chinese-American fusion cuisine popularized in the mid-20th century.
The Evolution
Although the exact origins are debated, the dish gained significant popularity in the 1980s, with Panda Express being one of the most notable contributors to its widespread fame. Over time, orange chicken has been adapted in many ways, but it always retains its signature blend of crispy chicken and a glossy, sweet, tangy sauce.
Fun Fact
The dish was reportedly invented by chef Andy Kao at Panda Express, where it quickly became one of the restaurant’s top-selling items.
Essential Ingredients and Utensils
Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Orange Chicken
- Chicken Thighs (for extra tenderness; Chinese Orange Chicken thighs work perfectly, but you can also use chicken breasts for a leaner version)
- Fresh Orange Juice (the star of the show)
- Soy Sauce (a salty counterbalance to the sweetness)
- Cornstarch (for crispy coating)
- Garlic and Ginger (for aromatic depth)
- Sugar (to achieve the classic sweetness)
- Sesame Oil (adds richness to the sauce)
- Rice Vinegar (adds a tangy kick)
- Red Chili Flakes (optional, for heat)
Utensils Needed
- Large skillet or wok for frying
- Mixing bowls for preparing the chicken and sauce
- Whisk for blending sauce ingredients
- Deep fryer or frying pan for crispy chicken
- Tongs for flipping the chicken
Easy Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispier texture after frying. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture, ensuring that every piece is evenly covered.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown and crispy. Remove it from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce
In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce thicken as it simmers, usually around 5 minutes.
4. Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Add the fried chicken back to the pan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to adhere to the chicken and create a glossy finish.
Customizing Your Chinese Orange Chicken
Tasty Variations and Chef’s Tips
- For a Healthier Version
To cut down on calories, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the chicken in cornstarch and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Make It Spicy
If you like a bit of heat, add extra chili flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the orange sauce. This will bring a spicy kick to the sweet and tangy flavor of the dish. - Try with Chicken Breasts
While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, chicken breasts are a leaner option and will still result in a delicious orange chicken recipe. - For a Citrus Twist
Don’t be afraid to mix it up! You can add lemon or lime juice to the sauce for an added citrus profile that enhances the orange flavor.
How to Serve and Store Your Orange Chicken
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Chinese Orange Chicken over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an elegant touch and extra flavor.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to keep it crispy.
Freezing Tip
If you plan to freeze the chicken, do so before adding the sauce. Freeze the crispy chicken pieces for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken and coat it in freshly made sauce.
Nutritional Information and Tasting Notes
Calories in Chinese Orange Chicken
A typical serving of Chinese Orange Chicken contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and whether you choose chicken thighs or breasts. For a low-calorie version, baking the chicken or using less sugar in the sauce can help reduce the calorie count.
Taste Profile
The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, while the orange sauce is a rich, tangy, and sweet contrast. The combination of sweetness from the orange juice and saltiness from the soy sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors. If you opt for the spicy variation, the slight heat enhances the overall flavor profile.
Wrap Up and Final Thoughts
Orange Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that you can easily make at home, whether you’re craving something crispy, sweet, or a little spicy. This Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is versatile and customizable to fit your dietary preferences, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is orange chicken the same as sweet and sour chicken?
No, orange chicken has a citrusy, tangy flavor from orange juice, while sweet and sour chicken features a tangy-sweet sauce made with vinegar and sugar
What is the difference between orange chicken and sesame chicken?
Orange chicken has a tangy, sweet orange sauce, while sesame chicken is coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Is orange chicken spicy or sweet?
Orange chicken is primarily sweet, with a tangy flavor from orange juice. It can be mildly spicy if chili flakes or sriracha are added.
What is the Chinese character for orange chicken?
Orange chicken in Chinese is “橙子鸡” (chéngzi jī), where 橙子 means “orange” and 鸡 means “chicken.”
Why is Chinese chicken yellow?
Chinese chicken dishes appear yellow due to ingredients like soy sauce, cornstarch, or turmeric in the marinade or sauce.
How to make sticky orange chicken?
To make sticky orange chicken, reduce the sauce by simmering orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar until thick, then coat the fried chicken in it.
Is teriyaki chicken Chinese?
No, teriyaki chicken is Japanese, not Chinese. It’s made with a glaze of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.
Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch For coating the chicken
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil For frying
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium is preferred
- 1/4 cup Sugar To balance the citrus tang
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar For extra tanginess
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil For an authentic flavor
- 1 clove Garlic, minced For the sauce
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated For the sauce
Instructions
- 1. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, then fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
- 2. In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until thickened.
- 3. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the sauce adhere to the chicken.
Notes
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
-
Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 2mg
