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Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet tangy orange sauce.
Quick and easy Chinese Orange Chicken recipe.
Better than takeout and ready in 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce

  • Juice and zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Garnish (optional)

  • Sesame seeds
  • Green onions chopped
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
  • In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add egg, oil, and water, whisk until smooth.
  • Coat chicken thoroughly in the batter. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Heat oil to 350°F (177°C).
  • Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and keep warm.
  • In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. Bring to a low boil.
  • Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened.
  • Toss fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated. This Chinese Orange Chicken becomes glossy and rich at this stage.
  • Garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles
  • Add broccoli for a balanced meal
  • Substitute brown sugar with honey if preferred