Go Back
–+ servings
Benjamin

Paleo & Healthy Chinese Orange Chicken – Guilt-Free & Delicious!

This Chinese Orange Chicken is crispy, sweet, and tangy, coated in a delicious orange-infused sauce. With its perfect balance of flavors and satisfying crunch, this homemade version rivals any takeout favorite. Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 large eggs whisked
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Additional orange zest

Method
 

1. Make the Orange Sauce:
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red chili flakes.
  2. Heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce.
  4. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then stir in orange zest. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
  1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
  2. In another dish, whisk the eggs.
  3. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
  1. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl.
  2. Pour the prepared orange sauce over it and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve and Garnish:
  1. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional orange zest.
  3. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding a bit more vinegar.
  • To make it spicier, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of Sriracha.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!