16 Chinese Restaurant Orange Chicken Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, one dish that is always sure to please is orange chicken. This sweet and tangy dish, with its crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful orange sauce, has become a staple in Chinese restaurants all over the world. While it may seem intimidating to recreate this dish at home, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily make this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized introduction to the Chinese restaurant orange chicken recipe, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
If you're a fan of Chinese food, chances are you've tried orange chicken at least once. This popular dish combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet orange sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. But why settle for your average takeout version when you can make your own at home? We've rounded up the top 13 beer can chicken recipes that will have you saying "no thanks" to your local Chinese restaurant. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds!
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Orange Chicken (copycat Panda Express)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Breasts, Self Rising Flour, Eggs, Oil
For those who can't get enough of Panda Express's famous orange chicken, this recipe is for you. With a few key ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and of course, orange juice, you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. And the best part? It's ready in just 20 minutes!
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Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken, Egg, Salt, White Pepper
Looking for a healthier version of orange chicken? This recipe uses coconut aminos and honey instead of the traditional soy sauce and sugar, making it a Paleo-friendly option. The chicken is also baked instead of fried, so you can enjoy all the flavors without the guilt.
If you're a fan of the classic Chinese takeout orange chicken, this recipe is a must-try. It combines orange marmalade, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar for a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
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Panda Express Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Pieces, Egg, Salt, White Pepper, Oil
Love Panda Express but want to save some money? This copycat recipe for their famous orange chicken is a game-changer. The secret ingredient? Orange soda. Yes, you read that right. The carbonation in the soda helps create the crispy texture of the chicken, while the orange flavor gives it that signature taste.
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Chinese Orange Chicken (with Paleo Option)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Oil, Marinade, Orange Juice
Another Paleo-friendly option, this recipe uses coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour for a healthier twist on orange chicken. The chicken is also baked instead of fried, making it a guilt-free indulgence. And with fresh ginger and garlic in the sauce, this dish has a delicious depth of flavor.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, try this Chinese chicken salad recipe. It combines shredded chicken, cabbage, carrots, and crunchy wonton strips for a satisfying and flavorful meal. And with a homemade sesame ginger dressing, this salad is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
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Chinese Chicken with Oranges
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Dark Soy Sauce, Ginger Powder, Ground Black
This recipe puts a twist on traditional orange chicken by using whole oranges in the sauce. The oranges are simmered with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to create a flavorful and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. It's a refreshing and unique take on a classic dish.
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Restaurant-Style Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Scallions, Oranges, Chicken
Want to impress your dinner guests? This restaurant-style Chinese orange chicken recipe is sure to do the trick. With fresh orange juice, orange zest, and five-spice powder, this dish has a complex and delicious flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Orange Chicken Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Grated Orange Zest, Large Garlic Cloves
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and flavorful meal, this orange chicken stir fry is the perfect option. It combines all the flavors of orange chicken in a quick and easy stir fry format. With bell peppers, green onions, and cashews, this dish has a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Egg, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil
Another copycat recipe for Panda Express's beloved orange chicken, this version uses orange juice concentrate for a concentrated burst of flavor. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange juice, then coated in a cornstarch and flour mixture for a crispy texture. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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6-Ingredient Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Salt, Cornstarch
Yes, you read that right. This orange chicken recipe only requires six ingredients, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. With orange marmalade, soy sauce, and ginger, this dish has all the classic flavors of orange chicken without the hassle. Serve it with your favorite vegetable for a well-rounded meal.
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Chinese Tea Eggs and Soy Sauce-Poached Chicken
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Water, Soy Sauce, Star Anise, Green Tea
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on orange chicken, give this recipe a try. It combines Chinese tea eggs and soy sauce-poached chicken for a delicious and aromatic dish. The chicken is then coated in a orange juice and soy sauce mixture for a tangy and flavorful finish.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
The Chicken
The key to a delicious orange chicken dish is using the right cut of chicken. Many recipes call for boneless, skinless chicken breast, but you can also use thighs for a richer and more flavorful result. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy frying.
The Marinade
To add flavor and tenderize the chicken, a marinade is essential. For the orange chicken recipe, the marinade typically consists of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and garlic. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help create a crispy texture on the chicken when fried.
The Orange Sauce
The star of the dish is, of course, the orange sauce. To make the perfect sauce, you will need orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is what makes this dish so irresistible.
The Cooking Process
The Chicken
Once you have marinated the chicken, it's time to fry it. The secret to getting crispy and evenly cooked chicken is to fry it in batches. Overcrowding the pan will result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken until it turns a golden brown color and then set it aside.
The Orange Sauce
In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then add the orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the fried chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete Chinese restaurant experience, serve your orange chicken with steamed white rice, stir-fried vegetables, and fortune cookies. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top for extra flavor and presentation.
In Conclusion
Making Chinese restaurant-style orange chicken at home may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and cooking techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. With this professional and well-organized introduction to the recipe, you now have all the information you need to recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen. So go ahead and impress your loved ones with your homemade orange chicken, and enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.