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–+ servings
Chinese Orange Chicken

Crispy Chinese Orange Chicken Made Easy at Home

This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe combines crispy chicken with a sweet-savory orange sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken thighs Juicier than breasts.
  • 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce Adds saltiness without overwhelming the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated) Optional, adds warmth and complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper A subtle seasoning; can substitute with black pepper.
  • 4 tablespoons Cornflour/cornstarch For a crispy coating.
For Shallow-Frying
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil Use neutral oils like canola or peanut.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Orange zest Essential for intense orange flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Orange juice Freshly squeezed or bottled.
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing) Adds depth; substitute with chicken stock for non-alcoholic.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon White sugar Sweetens the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely minced for aromatic depth.

Equipment

  • Large frying pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Mix the chicken thighs with soy sauce, ginger, and white pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of cornflour until sticking.
  2. Toss the chicken with remaining cornflour to fully coat and let sit for a few minutes.
  3. Press the coated chicken pieces gently to ensure the coating sticks, then remove excess flour.
  4. Heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Shallow-fry chicken pieces until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes total.
  5. Drain excess oil, leaving 2 tablespoons. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. Whisk together sauce ingredients and pour into the pan. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately over rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning.

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