Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is an American Chinese restaurant dish of battered fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, citrus-flavored sauce. It is a diaspora / North American menu creation rather than a traditional regional dish of mainland Chinese cuisines, and is often discussed alongside General Tso’s Chicken.

Characteristics

Crispy fried coating meets sticky-sweet orange glaze; heat is mild compared with many Sichuan dishes. Presentation is bright and saucy for takeout service.

Ingredients (overview)

Chicken pieces, batter, oil for frying, orange juice or zest, sugar, soy, vinegar, garlic, optional chili. Commercial sauces vary widely.

History and culture

Popularized by American Chinese chains and takeout menus in the late 20th century. On this wiki it is filed as overseas Chinese restaurant food—distinct from classic regional pages—though sweet-sour fried-chicken ideas overlap commercially with General Tso’s Chicken.

Serving and variations

With steamed rice in American Chinese restaurants. See General Tso’s Chicken; contrast authentic regional wok dishes on the Chinese Food Map.

See also

• Egg Foo Young
• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Beef and Broccoli
• Egg Drop Soup
• Mongolian Beef
• Sesame Chicken

• General Tso’s Chicken
• Sweet and Sour Pork
• Chop Suey
• Chinese Food Map
• List of dishes (A-Z)