Chinese Zesty Orange Chicken

Elevate your dinner game with this irresistible Chinese Zesty Orange Chicken recipe—a bold and flavorful twist on the classic takeout favorite. Tender pieces of crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs are drenched in a luscious homemade orange sauce, bursting with the vibrant tang of fresh orange juice and zest, balanced perfectly with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. Infused with the aromatic notes of ginger and garlic, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory and citrusy flavors. Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour, it's perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat. Serve this restaurant-quality orange chicken with steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup Cornstarch
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 cups Vegetable oil
• 1 cup Orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp Orange zest
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• 0.25 cup Sugar
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger, minced
• 3 tbsp Water
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (for the sauce)
• 2 Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated. Place the coated chicken on a plate.

Step 4

In a deep skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in small batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 6

In a separate small bowl, mix water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to create a slurry. Gradually add this slurry to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl or wok, combine the fried chicken and the prepared orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 8

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1561.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5425.8

Total Fat 480.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g
Cholesterol 939.0mg	0%
Sodium 4066.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 168.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.8g	0%
Total Sugars 73.0g
Protein 143.6g	0%

Vitamin D 113.8IU	0%
Calcium 251.0mg	0%
Iron 11.4mg	0%
Potassium 2070.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.6%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 12.1%