Orange Chicken Recipe

Updated on August 11th, 2025

Crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet citrus glaze, this orange chicken is a homemade version of a favorite Chinese-American dish. Tender pieces of chicken are lightly battered, fried until golden, and then covered in a sauce made with fresh orange and lemon juice. The mix of tangy citrus, savory soy sauce, and a little spice from red pepper flakes gives every bite a delicious balance. Whether you cook it in a deep fryer or a wok, you’ll get chicken that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Why this recipe works

• Fresh flavor: Orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest bring a bright, tangy taste that pairs well with the chicken.
• Crispy and juicy: Frying the chicken makes it golden and crunchy while keeping the meat tender.
• Simple ingredients: Most of the sauce ingredients are things you may already have at home, making it easy to prepare.
• Flexible cooking method: Can be made with a deep fryer or a wok, so you can use whatever you have in your kitchen.

Serving suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve over steamed white rice or fried rice so it can soak up the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Mix in broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for more color and crunch.
• Fresh garnish: Sprinkle sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for a nice finish.
• Full meal idea: Pair with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple soup for a tasty at-home dinner.

Orange Chicken Recipe

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Crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sweet citrus glaze, this orange chicken is a homemade version of a favorite Chinese-American dish.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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Chicken-

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-1/2” cubes)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Oil (for frying)

Orange Sauce-

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (grated)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger root (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons green onion (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken in the egg mixture and shake in flour mixture to coat. Deep fry chicken in batches at 375 degrees in a deep fryer (or use a wok) until completely cooked.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan combine 1 ½ cups water, lemon juice, orange juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Blend well over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in brown sugar, orange zest, ginger garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil.
3. Combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and mix thoroughly. Slowly stir cornstarch mixture into sauce until it thickens. Pour sauce over breaded chicken, and if desired add red pepper flakes and garnish with green onions. Enjoy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 33.6 g
• Sodium: 370.8 mg
• Fat: 7.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 141.3 mg