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+ servings
Mary Kelly

Chinese Orange Chicken

Ah, Chinese Orange Chicken. Just the thought of it conjures up images of tender chicken enveloped in a sweet, citrus glaze. It’s a dish that often captivates the taste buds, greeting you with the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 3 eggs lightly beaten
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
For the Orange Chicken Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice preferably freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of one orange
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce tamari if gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Garnish:
  • Additional orange zest
  • Chopped green onions

Equipment

  • Bowl, Skillet

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken chunks with salt. In separate bowls, place the beaten eggs, flour, and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, orange juice, grated ginger, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, orange zest, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. This will be the star of your show.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, pour the orange sauce mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle boil. Stir frequently until it thickens, usually around 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Once the sauce has thickened, add your fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss them carefully in the sauce until they are fully coated and glistening.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. For a final touch, garnish with additional orange zest and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, piping hot, alongside your preferred sides.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 20gFiber: 1g

Notes

  • Quality Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The juice and zest make a difference.
  • Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Temperature Control: Ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
  • Batch Cooking: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature. This results in better crispiness.
  • Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately for better texture upon reheating.

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