Orange Chicken

This classic Orange Chicken recipe became a viral hit in 2023—and for good reason. It’s the perfect fusion of crispy battered chicken and a tangy, sweet, and citrus-forward sauce. Made with fresh orange juice, zest, and aromatic spices, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or impressing guests with a delicious homemade takeout-style meal.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 350–450 g chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

Batter:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 egg white

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1/4 tsp ground white or black pepper

• 1/3 cup water (adjust if batter is too thick)

Orange Sauce:

• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice

• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest

• 4–6 tbsp brown sugar (to taste)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry white wine/sake)

• 3 1/2 tsp grated ginger (or 1/8 tsp ginger powder)

• 1 clove grated garlic (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)

Cornstarch Slurry:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp cold water

Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Thinly chopped green onions

Directions

1. Prepare the Batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together all batter ingredients until smooth and slightly thin. Add more water if the batter is too thick.

2. Coat the Chicken:
   Add chicken pieces into the batter and gently coat them evenly.

3. First Fry:
   Heat oil in a deep pan to 330–340°F (165–170°C). Fry chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack and rest for 15 minutes.

4. Optional Double Fry:
   Reheat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Quickly refry the chicken for 30–60 seconds for extra crispiness. Set aside.

5. Make the Orange Sauce:
   In a pan or wok, combine all sauce ingredients. Simmer over medium heat for about 1 minute, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

6. Thicken the Sauce:
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

7. Coat the Chicken:
   Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated.

8. Serve:
   Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or on its own.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Saturated Fat: 3 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Sugar: 25 g

• Sodium: 900 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

Why It Went Viral in 2023

While Orange Chicken has always had a devoted following, 2023 saw it explode in popularity once again, thanks to the rise of short-form food content on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Home cooks began recreating their favorite takeout dishes during lockdowns and beyond, and Orange Chicken topped the list. The visual appeal of sizzling chicken hitting hot oil, thick sauce clinging to crispy bites, and the satisfying moment of garnishing with sesame seeds and scallions made it a perfect candidate for viral content.

This renewed interest also sparked a return to more natural and homemade approaches. Instead of using store-bought sauces or processed ingredients, many recipes—like the one shared here—now call for fresh orange juice, zest, and real aromatics, elevating the dish far beyond fast-food versions. The idea was to replicate the convenience and satisfaction of takeout, but with improved quality and fewer additives.

Culinary Tips for Mastering Orange Chicken at Home

Although Orange Chicken is not overly complicated to make, certain techniques and choices can significantly impact the final result:

• Use Thighs for Juiciness: Boneless chicken thighs tend to remain moist and flavorful, even after deep frying. If using chicken breasts, monitor the cooking time closely to prevent dryness.

• Balance Your Sauce: The beauty of making it at home is the ability to adjust sweetness and acidity. Prefer it less sweet? Reduce the sugar. Want a bit of heat? Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.

• Don’t Skip the Zest: The orange zest provides the aromatic oils that give the sauce depth and complexity. Fresh zest works wonders compared to juice alone.

• Double Frying is Optional but Game-Changing: For ultra-crispiness, many cooks opt to fry the chicken twice—first at a moderate temperature to cook it through, then again briefly at a higher temp to crisp up the exterior.

• Toss, Don’t Drown: When saucing the chicken, it’s best to toss it gently in the pan or a bowl until evenly coated. Drenching it can make the coating soggy and overpower the flavor balance.

Ideal Pairings and Serving Ideas

Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. The most traditional accompaniment is steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce and balances the intensity. For something more indulgent, fried rice or lo mein noodles can turn the meal into a full-on feast.

Health-conscious eaters might enjoy serving it with a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy, which contrast the richness of the chicken. A simple cucumber salad or pickled radish also offers a refreshing counterpoint to the sticky-sweet main.

If you’re entertaining, consider offering Orange Chicken as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread with potstickers, spring rolls, or a hot and sour soup starter. It also makes a great option for meal prep since the sauce holds up well and the fried chicken can be quickly crisped in an air fryer the next day.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Overview

While Orange Chicken is undoubtedly delicious, it is also a dish that leans toward the indulgent side—especially when deep fried. A typical serving delivers around 450 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat. The sugar content can be relatively high due to the brown sugar and orange juice in the sauce, averaging around 25 grams per serving. Sodium is also a factor to monitor, especially if soy sauce is used liberally.

However, the dish can be modified to better align with different dietary preferences:

• Bake or Air Fry: Instead of deep frying, opt for baking or using an air fryer to reduce oil usage.

• Lower Sugar Versions: Use a sugar substitute or cut down the brown sugar.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use rice flour in the batter.

With a few tweaks, Orange Chicken can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Why Orange Chicken Endures

There are few dishes that straddle the line between nostalgic comfort food and culinary indulgence as successfully as Orange Chicken. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a crowd-pleasing party dish, Orange Chicken consistently delivers. Its success lies in its simplicity and bold flavor—easy enough to make at home, but impressive enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Moreover, Orange Chicken represents a broader food trend of blending cultures to create something new, accessible, and beloved. In the ever-expanding world of global cuisine, it stands as a testament to the creativity and adaptability of home cooks and chefs alike.

Conclusion

In summary, Orange Chicken is far more than just another takeout favorite—it’s a dish with history, cultural significance, and endless adaptability. From its humble beginnings in Chinese-American restaurants to its viral resurgence in the digital age, it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: crispy, saucy, and delicious.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting it as a nostalgic comfort food, this dish invites you to experience the joy of home cooking. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple techniques, Orange Chicken offers big flavors, a satisfying crunch, and the kind of citrusy punch that keeps you coming back for more.