There is something truly irresistible about this Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe that keeps me reaching for seconds every single time. With tender, crispy chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy, tangy-sweet orange sauce, it’s a dish that perfectly balances zest, sweetness, and umami. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with a homemade Chinese favorite, this recipe brings all the bright flavors and comforting textures right into your own kitchen with ease and flair.

A white plate filled with crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a shiny dark orange sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and thin green onion rings. Two bright orange lemon wedges rest on top at the right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and the powerful flavor punch each ingredient delivers. From the crisp texture of the battered chicken to the vibrant, zesty orange sauce, every element contributes something special to the dish. Below are the essentials you’ll gather to make this meal sing.

Chicken thighs (350-450 g): Chosen for their juiciness and flavor, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect frying.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup plus slurry): The secret to the crispy, golden coating and thickened sauce.
Flour (2 tbsp): Adds just enough structure to the batter to hold onto the chicken lovingly.
Soy sauce (1 tbsp plus 2 tbsp for sauce): Brings a savory depth that complements the bright orange perfectly.
Egg white (1): Helps create a smooth, paint-like batter texture for an even coating.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): A subtle nutty note enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Ground white pepper (1/4 tsp): Offers gentle warmth and slight earthiness.
Water (1/3 cup): Adjusts batter consistency for the perfect crispy finish.
Fresh orange juice (3/4 cup): The star of the sauce—fresh juice delivers bright citrus zing without artificial sweetness.
Brown sugar (4-6 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce with richness; adjust to taste for desired sweetness level.
Rice wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds acidity to balance sweetness and lift flavors.
Shaoxing wine (1 tbsp): Classic Chinese cooking wine introducing aroma and complexity (optional).
Grated ginger (1/2 tsp): Delivers a warm, spicy note freshening every bite.
Grated garlic (1 clove): Provides savory depth and character.
Toasted sesame seeds: For a beautiful, nutty garnish that adds crunch and visual interest.
Green onions, thinly chopped: Bright, fresh notes to finish the dish with color and flavor.

How to Make Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter and Chicken

Begin by whisking together your cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, sesame oil, white pepper, and water until you achieve a smooth, thin batter that resembles paint in texture. If it feels a bit thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it flows easily. Gently toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the batter until every morsel is evenly coated; this step ensures each bite fries up crispy and golden.

Step 2: Deep Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to about 330-340°F and fry the battered chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and beautifully golden. Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes; this helps preserve that wonderful crispiness by letting excess oil drain away. For the ultimate crunch, consider a quick double fry: increase the oil temperature to 375°F and fry the chicken for an additional 30 to 60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

Combine fresh orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, shaoxing wine, grated ginger, and garlic in a large pan or wok. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and stir until sugars dissolve and the flavors meld into a fragrant, tangy blend.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while constantly stirring, allowing the sauce to thicken in 30 to 60 seconds. This luscious, glossy glaze is what makes this Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe irresistibly sticky and flavorful.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Quickly toss your fried chicken pieces in the thickened orange sauce, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. This final step fuses the crispy chicken and sweet citrus together into harmony.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your creation with toasty sesame seeds and a sprinkling of fresh green onions for bursts of flavor, crunch, and vibrant color. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

How to Serve Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate the dish both visually and in flavor. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch, while thinly sliced green onions bring a fresh, bright note. Together, they make this Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe look as fantastic as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the luscious orange sauce. For more vegetable goodness, stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli are terrific companions. Their crisp textures and mild flavors complement the richness of the chicken without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the chicken in individual bamboo steamers or over a bed of crispy fried rice noodles for added texture contrast. Another crowd-pleaser is plating it with fresh orange wedges on the side to amplify the citrus experience visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of extra sauce at the table never hurts either!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily refrigerate leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, store the chicken separate from the sauce and toss together when ready to eat.

Freezing

If you want to keep this classic dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat chicken pieces in a hot oven or air fryer to regain their crispy exterior, then warm the sauce gently on the stovetop before combining. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will work well in this Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe, though thighs offer more juiciness and flavor.

Is it necessary to double fry the chicken?

Double frying is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra crispy and crunchy finish that stays crispy longer, especially when sauced.

Can I substitute fresh orange juice with bottled juice?

Yes, just be sure to pick a brand without added excess sugars to keep the sauce balanced and bright.

What can I use if I don’t have shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine adds depth, but you can omit it or substitute with sake, dry sherry, or a splash of cooking wine you have on hand.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mildly spiced with white pepper and fresh ginger but not hot. You can always add chili flakes or fresh chili if you desire some heat.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe is a joyous celebration of flavor and texture that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. I promise once you try making it yourself, you’ll never want to settle for takeout again. Dive into these sweet, tangy, crispy bites and enjoy all the warmth and comfort they bring to your table.

Classic Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe