How to Make Authentic Chinese Orange Chicken in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving something deliciously different for dinner tonight? Well, you’re in luck because I’m about to share a secret recipe that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. Today, we’re diving into the world of Chinese cuisine with a classic dish that’s easier to make than you think—Chinese Orange Chicken! This isn’t just any orange chicken; it’s a homemade version that tastes better than takeout, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right—30 minutes! Perfect for those quick family dinners or weeknight dinner ideas when you need something fast but flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Better than takeout and made fresh at home.
• Easy to customize—make it as spicy or as mild as you like.
• A great option for quick family dinners that everyone will love.
• Pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chinese Orange Chicken recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 3 eggs (whisked)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup flour
• Salt
• Oil (for frying)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free dish)
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, finely diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Orange zest (from 1 orange)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Green onions
• Orange zest

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get started! This recipe is divided into two main parts: making the orange sauce and preparing the chicken. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think.

Step 1: Make the Orange Sauce

In a medium pot, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to warm up and the flavors begin to meld.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the orange sauce and whisk everything together. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Once it’s thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and stir in the orange zest. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow dish or pie plate, mix together the flour and cornstarch. Add a generous pinch of salt and stir to combine.

In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten.

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate and set them aside until you’re ready to fry.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. If you have a thermometer, watch for the oil to reach 350 degrees. Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few pieces of the coated chicken to the pot (don’t overcrowd it).

Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken pieces.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once all the chicken is fried, add it to the orange sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. You can reserve a little extra sauce to drizzle over rice or noodles if you’d like.

Transfer the Chinese Orange Chicken to a serving dish, sprinkle with green onions and a bit of orange zest, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your Chinese Orange Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Double Frying: For an extra crispy coating, you can double fry the chicken. Fry it once until golden, let it rest for a few minutes, then fry it again until it’s deeply golden and crunchy.
• Sauce Consistency: If the orange sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little water. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch and cook for a few more minutes.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less red chili flakes. You can also omit them for a mild version.
• Make It a Meal: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or noodles, and add some steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal.

How to Serve

Chinese Orange Chicken is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in a few different ways:

• With Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing. Drizzle some of the orange sauce over the rice for extra flavor.
• With Noodles: Toss cooked noodles (like soba or rice noodles) with a bit of the orange sauce for a quick and easy pasta recipe.
• In a Bowl: Create a meal bowl with the chicken, rice, and your favorite stir-fried vegetables. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for weeknight dinner ideas:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the orange sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before using.
• Storage: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of the orange sauce to refresh it.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken, it’s best to freeze it before adding the sauce. Cook the chicken, let it cool, then freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and toss with the sauce when you’re ready to eat.

And there you have it—a delicious, authentic Chinese Orange Chicken recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for quick family dinners, weeknight meals, or even a special treat for the weekend. The best part? It’s so much better than takeout, and you can customize it to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Looking for more quick and easy recipes? Check out these favorites:

• How to Make Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles in 15 Minutes
• How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for Beginners
• How to Make Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach in 30 Minutes

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! 😊