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Chinese Orange Chicken is one of the most popular picks for take-out, and now you can make it in your very own kitchen! In less than 30 minutes, create a semi-homade dish of sweet and tangy orange sauce glistening over crispy breaded chicken pieces. It’s easily a top choice for the next time you crave Chinese takeout!
Why We Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Simple: This easy orange chicken recipe only takes 25 minutes to throw together and uses simple ingredients, like premade chicken nuggets! Want to homemade the chicken- we have that included, too!
- Flavorful Resturant-Quality: Sweet and tangy homemade orange sauce smothering the tender chicken nuggets is even more satisfying than what you can order from a local restaurant. Never order takeout again!
- Mix to Suit: You can adjust the heat in this Orange Chicken Recipe by adding more red pepper flakes, and you can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of sugar. Make it all yours!
Now, I admit, it is so easy to call for Chinese takeout whenever you get that craving. But this recipe is so easy it takes less effort than calling to place the order. Not to mention, the orange sauce pairs just right with the crispy, fried chicken pieces, making it a popular dish the whole family will love. Whether you like it more on the sweet side or with a spicy kick, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
And, isn’t it the best when you can enjoy your favorite restaurant dishes in the comfort of your home? I have plenty more restaurant-quality recipes, like this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe Outback Copycat, Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, and this Salsa Recipe that tastes like your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Ingredient Notes
Variations and Substitutions
How To Make Easy Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Prep Spices and Cook Breaded Chicken
Take out that bag of frozen nuggets to make this dish super easy and so fast! Begin by cooking the chicken nuggets according to the package directions.
In the meantime, mince and chop the fresh ingredients for the recipe.
Step 2 | Combine the orange sauce ingredients
Next, set a large pot over medium heat and add the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and orange zest, stirring until well combined.
Then, in a small bowl, make a slurry to thicken the sauce with cornstarch and water. Add it to the sauce, stirring for about five minutes until it is thick. Then, remove it from the heat.
Step 3 | Combine chicken and sauce, garnish, and serve!
Now, drop all the cooked chicken nuggets into the pot, tossing in the orange sauce until it is completely coated.
If desired, serve the orange chicken recipe over steamed rice and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, green onions, and some orange zest.
You are gonna love this one, I just know it!
Tips
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice– If you’re using fresh oranges, make sure to zest them first.
- Thicken the Sauce– If you prefer a thicker orange sauce, add more water and cornstarch slurry until it’s the desired consistency.
- Drain Excess Grease: If using a frying cook method for the chicken, move the chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess grease. Then, toss in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, too, if you’d like.
Can I Make The Breaded Chicken From Scratch?
Sure! Homemade chicken nuggets are delicious! Here’s what you need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup oil
Just whisk eggs in a bowl, then add cornstarch flour and salt to another bowl. Next, dredge the chicken pieces in the eggs and the flour mixture.
Place a skillet over medium heat, adding oil– Sesame oil is best! Once it’s nice and hot, add the breaded chicken and cook it on each side for 4 to 7 minutes until golden brown. To be sure, use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees F.
Recipe FAQs
Like most dishes at American Chinese take-out restaurants, orange chicken is not served at any restaurant in China, an American-made recipe inspired by Chinese flavors and ingredients.
It’s most commonly made with boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but just about any chicken cut will work for this recipe. Note that dark meat tends to be more tender and juicy, while white meat can easily dry out.
General Tso’s chicken is spicy, sweet, and sour, while Orange chicken is crispy with a sweet and citrussy glaze. They are similar in taste and trendy choices at American Chinese restaurants.
Storage
Storage: Save the leftover orange chicken to enjoy later by keeping it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the dish in a saucepot on the stove or warm it for a few minutes in the oven or air fryer.
Freeze: You can certainly freeze the sauce in an airtight container. Then, thaw and heat up the sauce, whisking a little to reconstitute the sauce.
What to Serve with this Recipe for Orange Chicken
Swap the sweet chili-glazed chicken tenders in this Asian Chicken Wonton Toastadas Recipe with your homemade orange chicken. Or serve the recipe over freshly steamed rice with a side of these easy Air Fryer Green Beans. Cauliflower rice is an excellent option to make the meal a little healthier and lighter.
Tasty Orange-Flavor Recipes & Treats
- Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin With Orange
- Salted Dark Chocolate Orange Cookies
- Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
- Almond Layer Cake With Almond Buttercream Icing and Orange Strawberry Filling
- Or Orange Cranberry Cake from my friend at Norine’s Nest
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Easy Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 ounces breaded chicken nuggets, See notes to make homemade breaded chicken.
Orange Sauce
- 2 cups orange juice, fresh or store bought
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, (or to taste)
- 1 zest from orange, divided (reserve some for garnish if desired)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon green onion, (or to taste)
- zest of orange
Instructions
- Cook your chicken according to the package ingredients- approximately 10 minutes. *See note section to make homemade chicken nuggets
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic cloves, red chili flakes, orange zest, and soy sauce. Stir until combined.
- In a small bowl, make a slurry with the cornstarch and water. Add the slurry to the orange sauce. Stir for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce is thick. Then remove from heat.TIP: If you would like extra sauce to drizzle over rice or veggies, double the orange sauce recipe.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pot and toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Serve over rice and top with red pepper flakes, green onions, and the remainder of the orange zest.
Notes
-
- Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice– If you’re using fresh oranges, make sure to zest them first.
-
- Thicken the Sauce– If you prefer a thicker orange sauce, add more water and cornstarch slurry until it’s the desired consistency.
-
- Drain Excess Grease: If using a frying cook method for the chicken, move the chicken onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess grease. Then, toss in the sauce.
-
- Garnish with sesame seeds, too, if you’d like.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup avocado oil
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
This was so easy for a delicious and quick weeknight dinner. My whole family loved it.
Thank you, Nicole! It’s one of my favorite quick weeknight meals!
Tastes really fresh, the orange flavour is delicious and it was a hit with the kiddies!
Thank you, Lauren! I am so glad to hear it was a hit.
You can’t beat homemade takeout. The flavours in this were amazing and I will definitely be making it again.
Thank you, Dannii! I agree I love making it homemade, especially when it is so easy.
What a tasty and delicious orange chicken! These were so good and my kiddos couldn’t stop eating! Will surely be making it again!
I am so thrilled to hear it! I love when its a hit the the kiddo! Thank you so much!
What a great idea to use chicken nuggets. Saves so much time and you get the crunch in the sauce too. So delicious.
Thank you, Amanda. I love time saving meals. There are also instructions included for homemade chicken if you ever want those as well
This recipe tasted even better than my favorite Chinese restaurant’s orange chicken!! I know I’ll be making this again and again!
Thank you so much, Anjali! I’m glad to know this is a favorite for you!