Easy Classic Chinese Orange Chicken

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As someone who grew up in a place where Asian food wasn’t accessible, Orange Chicken holds a special place in my heart.

Though not authentically Chinese, Orange Chicken has deep roots in Asian-American fusion cuisine, most famously popularized by Panda Express.

The dish reflects the adaptation of Chinese flavors to suit American palates, blending cultural influences in a way that feels familiar but still flavorful. This evolution is a testament to how immigrant communities shape and influence the food landscape in new countries, creating hybrid dishes that become cultural touchstones in their own right.

Orange Chicken has become an iconic dish, especially in the U.S., where it’s widely associated with Asian-American cuisine thanks to its sweet, tangy flavor and crispy texture. The blend of sweet and savory makes it approachable for those unfamiliar with more traditional dishes, making it an entry point for many into the world of Asian food. For some, it’s a nostalgic comfort food, a staple of quick, satisfying meals, while for others, it’s the beginning of their journey into exploring broader Asian culinary traditions.

For many people, including myself, orange chicken holds a special place in our food memories. Growing up part Asian, I remember feeling self-conscious about the food I ate, which wasn’t always well understood by others. Orange chicken, however, was different—it was a bridge that made Asian cuisine more accessible to friends and family who otherwise might not have tried it. To this day, it represents more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of how food can build connections and break down cultural barriers.

Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make rice to eat with this meal?

This is a question I am asked all the time. The answer is NO!

Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker!

Click on the photos of each of the respective the rice cookers to be taken to my rice cooker recommendations! I have the Tiger 5.5 cup rice cooker pictured. It can make over 10 servings of rice at a time.

While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice.

Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:

Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.

Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.

Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.

Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.

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Classic Chinese Orange Chicken


  • Author: kyriethefoodie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Description

Orange chicken is a crispy, deep-fried dish coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange-flavored glaze, blending savory and citrusy flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, diced
  • Neutral oil, for frying
  • Green onions and roasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Orange Chicken Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup orange juice (2-3 oranges)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the two eggs. Add the 1/2 cup of cornstarch, the flour, and black pepper. Mix to combine until you are left with a thick, yellow batter.
  2. Dip the diced chicken thighs into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat (about 1 inch of oil). Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side).
  4. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). If you want a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce.
  6. Once the sauce has thickened, toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired, over rice or alongside vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3-4