Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a burst of sweet citrus with a hint of spice, this Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken will absolutely thrill your taste buds and bring everyone’s favorite takeout treat right to your kitchen. Crispy, golden-brown pieces of tender chicken are coated in a tangy, fragrant orange sauce that’s simply irresistible—bright, glossy, and totally packed with flavor! Trust me, this dish is on regular rotation at my place, and every bite promises that iconic blend of crunch and zing you crave from restaurant-style orange chicken, but made with love at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here: each ingredient plays a special role in building those bold, signature flavors and that beautiful crispy texture. Let’s peek into what you’ll need (and why it matters!).
- Chicken (1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless breast or thighs): For juicy bites that soak up every bit of that gorgeous orange glaze.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Delivers the signature crispiness when fried and helps the coating cling to the chicken perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Balances the starch while ensuring a light, golden coating.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every underlying flavor—don’t skip this tiny powerhouse.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle peppery bite for depth.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Help the coating adhere to each chicken piece and give that extra crunch.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil for beautiful, even frying without overpowering the tangy orange sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and savoriness into the sauce.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds fresh, aromatic zing that lifts the orange flavors to the next level.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Toss these in for a little sassy heat, if you like a spicy kick.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup, preferably fresh): The backbone of our sauce, offering bright citrus flavor—fresh is always best!
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances out the tartness and gives that signature sticky-sweet glaze.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides umami and deeply savory notes to compliment the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle tang that wakes up all the orangey flavors.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Ensure a silky-smooth and glossy sauce that clings so well to the chicken.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip this! It adds super-fresh, aromatic top notes that feel restaurant-worthy.
- Sliced green onions (for garnish, optional): Fresh, colorful, and slightly sharp—such a classic finish.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Tiny but mighty, these add just a hint of nuttiness and crunch.
How to Make Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—a must for those perfect, crispy morsels you love. Whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and in a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then coat generously in the flour mixture. This double-dip method creates the incredibly crunchy outside that defines Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken. Get every nook and cranny coated for that ultimate crispy shell!
Step 2: Fry to Perfection
Heat up about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, fry the chicken in batches—don’t crowd the pan, or you’ll lose that crunch! Fry each batch for around 4 to 5 minutes, or until they’re fantastically golden and super crispy. Drain on paper towels so excess oil doesn’t weigh them down; you want every bite light and snappy.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
Meanwhile, it’s time to make that signature sauce. In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil, then add the garlic, ginger, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little kick. Sauté for 30 seconds—the fragrance alone might make your stomach growl. Stir in the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let it gently simmer, melding complex sweet, tart, and umami notes together beautifully. Lastly, whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken that sauce until it’s glossy and luscious. Finish with vibrant orange zest for a final pop of citrus aroma.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
In a clean skillet or wok, add all the crispy chicken pieces and pour over that gorgeous, shimmering orange sauce. Toss everything together so that every piece is absolutely coated and glistening. Cook for one more minute, just enough to warm everything through and let those zesty flavors mingle. You’re now ready to serve up Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken that’s every bit as delicious as your favorite takeout, if not better!
How to Serve Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken

Garnishes
A handful of freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top adds a wonderful crunch, pop of color, and a little touch of nuttiness. Sometimes I’ll even add a fine dusting of extra orange zest for an extra hit of citrus—it’s bright, beautiful, and super inviting!
Side Dishes
Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken is a total showstopper presented on steamed jasmine rice, but it also pairs so well with simple sides like stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or even some garlicky broccoli. Want to make it a true feast? Add classic fried rice or soft, fluffy bao buns to soak up every bit of that fabulous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken on a large platter for a family-style meal, or portion it into small individual bowls for a modern, bistro-style vibe. For a party, spear each orange chicken piece with cocktail picks and serve as irresistible bite-sized appetizers—Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken makes for unforgettable finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken stores brilliantly! Let your chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to meld for an even more delectable dish the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the fried (undressed) chicken pieces separately from the sauce. Lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid before bagging up—that way, they don’t stick together. The sauce can also be frozen in a small container. Simply thaw both in the refrigerator overnight for an easy meal anytime.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crispy texture before tossing with freshly warmed sauce. Avoid microwaving the coated chicken, as it tends to soften the crust. A quick toss on the stovetop also works in a pinch!
FAQs
Can I make Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken less sweet or less spicy?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sugar or red pepper flakes to make the sauce fit your taste perfectly. Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken is meant to be versatile, so tweak it to find your personal sweet-and-spicy balance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free version of Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free too. Everything else is naturally gluten-free!
Can I use store-bought orange juice and skip the zest?
You can, but freshly squeezed orange juice and zest really take this recipe to the next level—the citrus brightness is more vibrant and natural. If you’re pressed for time, a good quality juice will work, but try to add some zest if you can!
What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can bake or air-fry the chicken pieces instead of deep frying. The texture will be different, but you’ll still get plenty of flavor in each bite of Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken, and the sauce remains irresistible.
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The orange sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently and give it a good stir (or a quick whisk) before tossing with your freshly cooked chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever longed for deliciously fresh, homemade takeout, you’re going to fall head over heels for Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken. Trust me, once you taste the homemade crunch and bright citrus flavors, you might never go back to the restaurant version. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and make it a night to remember—there’s nothing quite like sharing good food and good company. Enjoy every zesty, saucy bite!
Print
Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Zesty Chinese Orange Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crispy, golden fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for a delicious homemade takeout experience!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Orange Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, then coat with flour mixture. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Make the Orange Sauce: Sauté garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Add orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar. Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Stir in orange zest.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Toss fried chicken with orange sauce until coated. Heat through. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- You can adjust sweetness or spice level to taste.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg