Experience the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and savory goodness in every bite of our signature Chinese orange chicken dish! This orange chicken recipe is even better than takeout and pairs wonderfully with ham fried rice, vegetable chow mein, and hot and sour soup. Popular dishes from Panda Express include walnut shrimp, zucchini mushroom chicken, and kung pao chicken. American Chinese orange chicken is similar to sweet and sour pork. Let's learn how to make delicious and crispy Panda Express-style Chinese orange chicken at home with step-by-step photos, tips, and a video tutorial!
Do you love Chinese food? Check out steamed meatballs, cashew shrimp, beef broccoli, mushroom chicken, beef chow fun, tomato egg, baby bok choy stir fry, eggplant & pork, mapo tofu, mango pomelo, and black sesame soup recipes.
What is Chinese orange chicken?
Orange chicken is popular in American Chinese cuisines, like walnut shrimp, zucchini mushroom chicken, and kung pao chicken. It's Panda Express, an American Chinese fast food chain's signature dish. However, you can hardly find this Chinese orange chicken dish at local restaurants in China because this is an American-style Chinese food.
On the other hand, sweet and sour pork is a dish similar to that found in southern China. The idea is very similar to orange chicken. This Chinese Panda Express orange chicken is my family's favorite dish, and they must order it if they go to Panda Express.
Typically, Chinese orange chicken consists of battered fried chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange-flavored sauce. The sauce is made with ingredients such as orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, and chili pepper flakes to add heat and extra flavor. Orange chicken is best served with jasmine rice, ham fried rice, or vegetable chow mein.
Is orange chicken spicy?
Orange Chicken is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes. This Chinese orange chicken recipe is mildly spicy.
What does orange chicken taste like?
Chinese orange chicken has a unique flavor, combining sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy elements. Typically, the chicken is crispy on the outside because it is battered and deep-fried. At the same time, the inside is tender and juicy. The sauce adds a sweet and tangy citrus flavor to the orange juice, which balances the savory taste of ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Depending on the recipe, chili pepper flakes may add a hint of spiciness, which adds a depth of flavor. I added some chili pepper flakes for more flavor in this Chinese orange chicken recipe. In general, this Chinese orange chicken recipe tastes savory, sweet, and citrus-flavored, with a slightly spicy kick.
What to serve with Chinese orange chicken?
Chinese orange chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as jasmine rice, ham fried rice, vegetable chow mein, and stir fry vegetables like baby bok choy, yu choy sum, gai lan, water spinach, Chinese spinach amaranth, and sweet potato leaves stir fry. You can also serve it with spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings, pan-fried buns, boiled dumplings, and much more.
What is the difference between General Tso and orange chicken?
General Tso's chicken and orange chicken are both popular American Chinese dishes. However, they differ in flavor, appearance, and origin.
Flavor:
General Tso's chicken has a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. The sauce is usually made with ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger, which results in a rich and bold flavor with a hint of heat from the chili peppers.
On the other hand, orange chicken has a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. The sauce is primarily made with orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and ginger, giving it a distinct citrusy taste with a sweetness.
Appearance:
General Tso's chicken and orange chicken feature deep-fried pieces that are crispy and tender on the inside. However, General Tao's chicken is coated in a dark, glossy sauce.
Orange chicken sauce is usually lighter in color and slightly thicker than General Tso's chicken sauce. It also has visible orange zest or slices, which give it a bright and vibrant appearance.
Origin:
General Tso chicken originated in Hunan province, China. It is named after General Tso Tsung-tang, a Qing dynasty military leader. However, the version commonly found in American Chinese restaurants is Westernized and significantly differs from the traditional Chinese dish.
Orange chicken is a creation of American Chinese cuisine. Although it is not traditionally found in China, it has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in fast-food chains and Chinese American restaurants. Now, it has become a staple menu item.
What is the best part of the chicken to use for Chinese orange chicken?
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are best for this Chinese orange chicken recipe. They have a better texture and are juicier after cooking than chicken breasts. I highly recommend using chicken thighs, but you can also use chicken breasts.
What is orange sauce?
The orange sauce is crucial in the orange chicken dish. Its taste makes a big difference in whether the chicken tastes good. In this Chinese orange chicken recipe, the sauce is made from fresh orange juice or store-bought orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sugar, water, vinegar, cornstarch, and chili pepper. This orange sauce tastes delicious and is better than takeout. I am sure you will like it, too!
How to make the chicken crispy?
The secret to crispy chicken is flour and the double-frying technique. I use a mixture of rice flour and all-purpose flour in this Chinese orange chicken recipe. Rice flour has a finer texture than wheat flour.
It can result in a lighter and more delicate coating on the chicken. This lighter coating allows the chicken to crisp up quickly when deep frying, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Also, the double frying technique helps the chicken become even crispier. Double deep fry means deep fry again. First, deep fry the chicken at around 350 F until it's slightly golden. Then, take the chicken out and turn the fire medium-low. When the temperature is around 375 F, deep fry again until it's golden brown.
Can I air-fry chicken pieces instead of deep-frying them?
Sure, you can. But you cannot use the batter method. Instead, you can dip the chicken pieces in flour, egg, and flour. Then, spray some oil on the chicken pieces and air fry them at 400 F for 12-15 minutes. Check them at 6-7 minutes, and flip the other sides for another 6-7 minutes.
Does orange chicken contain gluten?
The presence of gluten in orange chicken can vary and depends on the recipe. Typically, orange chicken is coated in flour before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If wheat flour is used, then the dish would contain gluten.
I use rice flour and all-purpose flour in this Chinese orange chicken recipe, which contains wheat. You can replace the all-purpose flour with sweet potato starch or use rice flour if you want it to be gluten-free.
What are the ingredients for Chinese orange chicken?
This Chinese orange chicken recipe has 4 main ingredients: chicken thighs, seasonings, batter, and sauce.
Seasonings ingredients:
I use salt, garlic powder, white pepper, and sesame oil to marinate the chicken.
Batter ingredients:
The batter consists of eggs, rice flour, all-purpose flour, and water. I like adding rice flour because it makes the deep-fried chicken crunchy and crispy.
Orange sauce ingredients:
I use vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, chili pepper flakes (crushed red pepper), brown sugar, white sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, orange juice, cornstarch, and water for the sauce.
Substitutions:
Can I make orange chicken gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure that other ingredients, like cornstarch, are certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is best, but bottled orange juice or a mix of lemon juice and honey can work in a pinch.
Is there a low-sugar version?
Yes! Substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener.
Storage:
How do you store the leftovers of orange chicken?
If possible, separate the chicken pieces from the sauce before storing them. It will help maintain the chicken's crispy texture. You can store the sauce separately in a sealed container.
Let the leftover orange chicken cool down to room temperature before storing it. It helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy. Then, place the sealed container of leftover orange chicken in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Chinese orange chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Chinese orange chicken for later consumption. Before freezing, let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature. It helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn.
If you have a large batch of orange chicken, consider dividing it into smaller servings before freezing. It will make it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount you need.
When ready to enjoy the frozen orange chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once melted, reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated.
Reheat:
How to reheat Chinese orange chicken?
Microwave:
You can warm up the leftover orange chicken from the fridge in the microwave. Cover it with a wet paper towel and reheat it for 1-2 minutes.
Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Spread the leftover Chinese orange chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
Air fryer:
Reheat the leftover orange chicken in the air fryer at 400 F for 5 minutes.
Cooking tips for how to make Chinese orange chicken:
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- I prefer chicken thighs instead of breasts because they have a better texture.
- Adding rice flour can make the deep-fried chicken crispy and crunchy.
- Double deep fry. (First, deep fry the chicken at around 350 F until slightly golden. Then, remove the chicken. Turn the fire to medium temperature, around 375 F, and deep fry it again until it's golden brown.)
- Cook the sauce and add the deep-fried chicken. Toss it to ensure the sauce mixes with and covers the chicken.
FAQs:
Yes, you can. However, the texture will not be the same. It is best to use chicken thighs.
It's okay. However, adding rice flour to the batter makes the fried chicken crispy and crunchy—it tastes even better!
You can use a thermometer (~350 F) or dip a wooden chopstick into the oil when bubbles appear around it. This is a sign that the oil is hot enough for deep frying.
Double deep fry means deep fry again. First, deep fry the chicken at around 350 F until it's slightly golden. Then, take the chicken out and turn the fire medium-low. When the temperature is around 375 F, deep fry again until it's golden brown.
I used the store-bought orange juice. You can use fresh squeezed orange juice if you like.
You don't have to add chili peppers if you can't handle spicy food. (The amount of chili pepper in the recipe isn't too spicy; my kids can handle it, too.) You can also adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.
Instructions for how to make orange chicken:
Chicken preparation:
1. Wash 4 boneless chicken thighs. Trim the fat and cut the thighs into chunks.
Marinate chicken:
2. Place the cut chicken thighs in a bowl. Add ⅛ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly and allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Batter mixture:
3. After, put ½ cup of rice flour, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and ¾ cup of water into a mixing bowl.
4. Use a whisk to mix the batter very well.
5. Next, add the marinated chicken to the batter.
6. Mix well and cover the marinated chicken with batter.
Deep fry:
7. Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into the wok and turn the fire to low. Heat the oil until it's hot enough. You can also use a thermometer; the temperature is around 350 F. Or, use a wooden chopstick to dip into the oil when you see bubbles around the chopstick. It is a sign that the oil is hot enough for deep frying.
8. Slowly add the chicken covered with batter into the oil.
9. Deep-fry the chicken until it's slightly golden. Remove the chicken and turn the fire to medium-low.
Double deep fry:
10. Double-fry the chicken. Heat the oil to about 375°F and add the fried chicken again.
11. Cook until the chicken is golden brown. Drain the chicken and put it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Orange sauce:
12. Grate 2 slices of ginger (0.3 oz).
13. After that, grate 2 cloves of garlic (0.5 oz).
14. Add ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, ¼ cup vinegar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to a container. Mix the sauce very well.
15. Next, pour 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil into the wok. Turn the fire to medium-low. Add the grated ginger, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper (chili pepper flakes). Stir-fry them a bit.
16. In the following, pour the sauce mixture from step 14. Stir it a little bit.
17. Then, add 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to a small container and mix well.
18. Pour the cornstarch mixture from step 17 into the sauce. Keep stirring the sauce.
Combine:
19. When the sauce thickens, add the deep-fried chicken. Toss it to ensure it is covered.
20. Lastly, slice half of an orange and put it on the orange chicken as decoration.
Enjoy this delicious Panda Express-style Chinese orange chicken recipe! Also, check out these char siu, sesame oil chicken rice, red Thai curry, pho noodle soup, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, siu mai dim sum, and tonkatsu recipes.
You May Also Like These Recipes:
- CHICKEN CHOP WITH BLACK PEPPER SAUCE
- JAPANESE CHICKEN CURRY RICE
- CREAM CORN CHICKEN RICE
- HOW TO BAKE A WHOLE CHICKEN
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Orange Chicken
Equipment
- 1 wok
Video
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs (Boneless and skinless)
- 1 Orange (Use half for decoration)
Marinate Chicken:
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon White pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed red pepper (Chili pepper flakes)
- 2 slices Ginger (0.3 oz)
- 2 cloves Garlic (0.5 oz)
- ¼ cup White sugar
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
- ¼ cup Orange juice (I use store brand)
- ¼ cup Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
Thicken Sauce:
- 1.5 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
Other:
- 4 cups Vegetable oil (For deep fry the chicken)
Instructions
- Wash 4 boneless chicken thighs. Trim the fat and cut the thighs into chunks.
- Place the cut chicken thighs in a bowl. Add ⅛ teaspoon of salt, ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix everything thoroughly and allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a whisk to mix the batter very well.
- Next, add the marinated chicken to the batter.
- Mix well and cover the marinated chicken with batter.
- Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into the wok and turn the fire to low. Heat the oil until it's hot enough. You can also use a thermometer; the temperature is around 350 F. Or, use a wooden chopstick to dip into the oil when you see bubbles around the chopstick. It is a sign that the oil is hot enough for deep frying.
- Slowly add the chicken covered with batter into the oil.
- Deep-fry the chicken until it's slightly golden. Remove the chicken and turn the fire to medium-low.
- Double-fry the chicken. Heat the oil to about 375°F and add the fried chicken again.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown. Drain the chicken and put it on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Grate 2 slices of ginger (0.3 oz).
- After that, grate 2 cloves of garlic (0.5 oz).
- Add ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, ¼ cup vinegar, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to a container. Mix the sauce very well.
- Next, pour 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil into the wok. Turn the fire to medium-low. Add the grated ginger, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper (chili pepper flakes). Stir-fry them a bit.
- In the following, pour the sauce mixture from step 14. Stir it a little bit.
- Then, add 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to a small container and mix well.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture from step 17 into the sauce. Keep stirring the sauce.
- When the sauce thickens, add the deep-fried chicken. Toss it to ensure it is covered.
- Lastly, slice half of an orange and put it on the orange chicken as decoration.
Notes
Cooking tips for how to make Chinese orange chicken:
- Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- I prefer chicken thighs instead of breasts because they have a better texture.
- Adding rice flour can make the deep-fried chicken crispy and crunchy.
- Double deep fry. (First, deep fry the chicken at around 350 F until slightly golden. Then, remove the chicken. Turn the fire to medium temperature, around 375 F, and deep fry it again until it's golden brown.)
- Cook the sauce and add the deep-fried chicken. Toss it to ensure the sauce mixes with and covers the chicken.
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