Chinese-American Orange Chicken (Better Than Take-Out)

Learn how to make crispy orange chicken at home with fresh orange juice, garlic and ginger, and a coating that stays crunchy. This easy recipe beats takeout every time.

byChristina Ribel

Chinese-American Orange Chicken (Better Than Take-Out)

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Orange chicken became an Chinese-American food staple for good reason—crispy fried chicken and a sweet glaze that basically hits every flavor-receptor in the brain at once at once. Unfortunately, most versions rely on bottled sauce and pre-made batters that taste more like candy than citrus. This one is different; it uses fresh orange juice, garlic and ginger, and a coating that stays crisp even after you toss it in sauce.

First things first. The sauce starts with juice you squeeze yourself. Not from concentrate, not from a bottle with five kinds of stabilizers—actual oranges. The difference shows up immediately. You get brightness and acidity that balances the sugar instead of just piling sweet on top of sweet. It SMELLS like citrus!

The coating is cornstarch and flour mixed with salt, nothing else. Cornstarch gives you shatter, flour adds structure. Dip the chicken in beaten egg first, then the dry mix. For extra crunch, go through both steps twice. The double dip creates layers that hold up under sauce without getting soggy.

Fry in small batches. Cramming too much chicken into the pot drops the temperature and you end up steaming instead of frying. Three to four minutes per batch gets you golden on the outside, cooked through in the middle. Drain on paper towels while you make the sauce.

Toss the fried chicken in the sauce right before serving. The coating can handle it—that double dip of egg and starch creates enough armor to stay crisp for a while.

Finish with chopped green onions and more orange zest. It looks, smells, and tastes incredible. Serve it over jasmine rice.

Step by Step: How to make Orange Chicken at Home

Step 1 – Prep the chicken

Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, combine the cornstarch, flour, and salt.

Dip the chicken first in the egg, then in the flour mixture. For an extra-crunchy coating, repeat the dip once more. The pieces should look evenly coated — almost powdery.

Step 2 – Heat the oil

Pour about 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) of oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan. Heat to 350°F (175°C). The oil should shimmer but not smoke.

Step 3 – Fry the chicken

Working in small batches, fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and let rest while you make the sauce.

Step 4 – Make the orange sauce

In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3 minutes.
Whisk the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the sauce. Continue cooking until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest.

Step 5 – Bring it all together

You’ve got two options:

Toss it: Coat the chicken fully in the sauce so each piece glistens.

Serve it separate: Drizzle some sauce over the top and keep the rest on the side for dipping or spooning over rice.

Finish with chopped green onions, extra zest, and a few cilantro leaves if you like.

Chinese-American Orange Chicken (Better Than Take-Out)

Recipe Notes

Chicken choice: Thighs give a juicier bite, breasts stay lighter.

Frying tip: Hot oil = crisp crust. Lukewarm oil = soggy chicken. Use a thermometer if possible.

Sauce texture: For a thicker glaze, add another teaspoon of cornstarch slurry while simmering.

Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer, not the microwave.

Day-two magic: Use leftover chicken in a sandwich with slaw and an orange-infused aioli.

FAQ – Chinese-American Orange Chicken

Can I air fry instead of deep-fry?
Yes. Lightly coat the chicken pieces with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar by half or use a mix of orange juice and a splash of lemon juice to balance it out.

What rice works best?
Jasmine rice or plain steamed rice are ideal. You can also serve it with noodles or fried rice.

How do I keep it crispy once sauced?
Toss the chicken right before serving — never let it sit too long in the sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.