16 Traditional Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Orange chicken has become a beloved dish in Western countries, often found on the menus of Chinese restaurants. However, the traditional Chinese version of this dish is quite different from the Westernized version. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Chinese orange chicken recipe and explore its origins, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
This classic Chinese takeout dish gets a delicious twist with the addition of beer can chicken. The tender and juicy chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Serve it over a bed of rice and enjoy the flavorful combination of the crispy skin and the tender meat.
2of 16
Chinese Orange Chicken (with Paleo Option)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Oil, Marinade, Orange Juice
For those looking for a healthier version of Chinese Orange Chicken, this recipe has got you covered. It uses all-natural ingredients and offers a paleo option for those following a specific diet. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a sweet and savory dish that is sure to please.
3of 16
Whole30 Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Sesame Oil, Avocado
If you're on the Whole30 diet, you don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Chinese Orange Chicken. This recipe offers a compliant version of the popular dish, using coconut aminos and arrowroot powder to create a flavorful and healthy sauce. The chicken is cooked to perfection on the grill, resulting in a crispy and juicy meal.
4of 16
Primal Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Tapioca Flour
This recipe puts a primal spin on the classic Chinese Orange Chicken. It uses all-natural ingredients and offers a healthier option for those looking to cut back on processed foods. The chicken is marinated in a blend of citrus and spices, then roasted on the grill for a delicious and flavorful meal.
5of 16
Chinese Orange Chicken - Low Fat Version
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Rice Vinegar, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
If you're watching your fat intake, this recipe is perfect for you. It offers a low-fat version of Chinese Orange Chicken that is just as flavorful and delicious. The chicken is marinated in a blend of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a dish that is both healthy and tasty.
6of 16
Healthier Version of Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breast, Corn Starch, Large Eggs, Spray
For a healthier version of Chinese Orange Chicken that still packs a punch of flavor, give this recipe a try. It uses all-natural ingredients and offers a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
7of 16
Chinese Orange Chicken - Paleo, Whole 30, and Gluten...
Main Ingredients: Arrowroot Starch, Salt, Pepper, Chicken Thighs, Pitted
If you're following a specific diet, this recipe has got you covered. It offers a paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free version of Chinese Orange Chicken that is packed with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a blend of orange juice, coconut aminos, and spices, then roasted on the grill for a mouthwatering meal.
8of 16
Skinny Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Coconut Oil, Salt, Ground
For those looking to cut back on calories, this recipe offers a skinny version of Chinese Orange Chicken that is just as delicious. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, then cooked on the grill for a light and healthy meal that doesn't sacrifice taste.
9of 16
Chinese Orange Chicken Meets French Duck à l’Orange.
Main Ingredients: Oranges, Light Brown Sugar, Cider Vinegar, Soy Sauce
If you're feeling fancy, this unique recipe combines the flavors of Chinese Orange Chicken with the classic French dish, Duck à l’Orange. The result is a mouthwatering combination of tangy orange sauce and succulent chicken, perfect for a special occasion or a dinner party with friends.
10of 16
One Pan Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Orange Juice, Chicken Broth, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
This recipe offers a one-pan version of Chinese Orange Chicken for an easy and convenient meal. The chicken is cooked in a skillet with a tangy orange sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Serve it over rice or your choice of vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
11of 16
Orange Chicken (copycat Panda Express)
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Breasts, Self Rising Flour, Eggs, Oil
If you're a fan of Panda Express, you'll love this copycat recipe for their famous Orange Chicken. It offers a homemade version of the popular dish, using beer can chicken as the star of the show. The chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, resulting in a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
12of 16
Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken, Egg, Salt, White Pepper
For a simple and delicious Orange Chicken recipe, look no further than this one. It uses a combination of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and spices to create a mouthwatering sauce for the chicken. The result is a flavorful and easy meal that the whole family will love.
This recipe offers a Chinese takeout-style version of Orange Chicken that you can make at home. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and flavorful orange sauce, making it the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and delicious meal.
14of 16
Simple Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Bbq Sauce, Orange Marmalade, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Ground
If you're short on time but still want a delicious meal, give this simple Chinese Orange Chicken recipe a try. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, then cooked on the grill for a quick and tasty meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
15of 16
Restaurant-Style Chinese Orange Chicken
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Scallions, Oranges, Chicken
For a restaurant-quality Chinese Orange Chicken experience, this recipe is a must-try. The chicken is marinated in a blend of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, then cooked on the grill for a dish that is bursting with flavor. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Last but certainly not least, this recipe claims to be the best Chinese Orange Chicken you'll ever have. The chicken is marinated in a blend of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a dish that is both tender and flavorful. Serve it over rice or noodles for a meal that will have your taste buds singing.
The Origins of Traditional Chinese Orange Chicken
The Influence of Hunan Cuisine
The traditional Chinese orange chicken recipe can be traced back to the Hunan province of China. Hunan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and orange chicken is no exception. The dish is a combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
The Use of Fresh Ingredients
One of the key differences between the traditional Chinese orange chicken and the Westernized version is the use of fresh ingredients. In China, the chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being stir-fried with fresh orange zest and juice. This not only adds depth of flavor but also makes the dish healthier and more nutritious.
The Ingredients Used in Traditional Chinese Orange Chicken
The Chicken
In traditional Chinese orange chicken, the chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces and marinated before being cooked. The preferred type of chicken is boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they are more tender and flavorful.
The Sauce
The sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet and tangy flavor. The traditional Chinese orange chicken sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, and honey. This creates a perfect balance of flavors and gives the dish its distinctive orange color.
The Spices
Spices play a crucial role in traditional Chinese orange chicken, adding depth and complexity to the dish. The most commonly used spices include ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, which give the dish its characteristic heat and aroma.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is the preferred cooking method for traditional Chinese orange chicken. This involves cooking the chicken and vegetables in a wok at high heat, constantly stirring to evenly distribute the heat and flavors. This technique not only cooks the dish quickly but also helps to retain the freshness and crunchiness of the vegetables.
The Addition of Cornstarch
Another key technique used in traditional Chinese orange chicken is the addition of cornstarch to the sauce. This not only helps to thicken the sauce but also creates a glossy and shiny appearance, making the dish even more appetizing.
In conclusion, while the Westernized version of orange chicken may be more familiar to many, it is worth exploring the traditional Chinese version for its authentic flavors and use of fresh ingredients. With its bold and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound knowledge of traditional Chinese cooking?