Dinner

Orange Chicken with Orange Cordial Sauce and Fresh Fruit Recipe

ByLuna Ryder January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Introduction

Orange chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce. This recipe balances crunchy textures with zesty citrus, perfect for a satisfying home-cooked meal.

A white bowl with three layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, the middle layer is shredded light green lettuce, and the top layer is golden brown fried chicken pieces placed evenly, with bright orange lemon wedges and thin bright green sliced scallions scattered on top. To the left, there is a dark bowl filled with shredded lettuce, and above it, a small white dish with sliced scallions. On the wooden board under the main bowl, a small beige pitcher with a light yellow liquid is visible next to a metal fork and wooden chopsticks. All items are set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 egg, beaten
2 skinless chicken breasts
Pinch of ground white pepper
6 heaped tbsp self-raising flour
4 heaped tbsp cornflour
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 orange, sliced then quartered or halved
Shredded iceberg lettuce, to serve
Steamed basmati rice, to serve
Finely chopped spring onions, to garnish
2 tsp cornflour (for sauce)
4 tbsp double-strength orange cordial

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the beaten egg with a pinch of salt and the ground white pepper. Cut each chicken breast in half to create thin fillets and toss them in the egg mixture to coat well.
Step 2: Combine the self-raising flour and cornflour with a pinch of salt on a plate. Lift each chicken fillet out of the egg, letting excess drip off, and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan and is shimmering. Fry the coated chicken fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden, working in batches if needed. Drain on a wire rack over kitchen paper. The fried chicken can be prepared a day ahead, chilled, and crisped again in a 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) oven for 8-10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: For the sauce, mix 2 tsp cornflour with 2 tsp water to make a smooth paste. In a saucepan, combine 4 tbsp double-strength orange cordial with 150ml water, then whisk in the cornflour paste. Gently bring to a boil over low heat, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes translucent. Adjust thickness and flavor by adding up to 50ml more water or extra orange cordial 1 tsp at a time, if desired.
Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken fillets into strips about 1.5-2cm wide. Arrange shredded iceberg lettuce on serving plates, scatter the chicken strips on top, and add orange pieces. Pour over the orange sauce, garnish with chopped spring onions, and serve alongside hot steamed basmati rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the egg and flour mixture before frying.
Use fresh orange juice and zest instead of cordial for a more natural citrus flavor.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juiciness.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stove, stirring frequently before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is white fluffy rice, the middle layer is light green shredded lettuce, and the top layer consists of golden brown crispy chicken strips, scattered bright orange slices, and thinly sliced green onions. To the left, there is a white bowl with shredded green lettuce, and above that, a white plate holds a small pile of sliced green onions. A white jug filled with yellow liquid is on the top right, near a silver fork and wooden chopsticks placed on a wooden board under the main bowl. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh orange juice instead of orange cordial?

Yes, you can substitute fresh orange juice combined with some sugar or honey to match the sweetness of the cordial. Adding a bit of orange zest will enhance the flavor even more.

What is the best way to get crispy chicken without deep frying?

Pan-frying in a good amount of oil over medium heat until golden works well. Alternatively, you can bake the coated chicken pieces in a hot oven after frying to maintain crispness without excess oil.