How to Make Orange Chicken with Jet Tila

How to Make Orange Chicken with Jet Tila is a medium American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 60 min

Cost: $19.93 total, $4.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into 1‑1.5 inch cubes)
  • 1 cup Tempura Flour (mix of all‑purpose flour and cornstarch, for dredging and batter)
  • 0.75 cup Water (for thin batter)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep frying, neutral flavor)
  • 0.5 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (adds sweetness to glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (for subtle smoky note)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (adds umami depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce (sweet and salty component)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (bright acidity for glaze)
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch (1 tsp for slurry in sauce, 1 tsp in batter if desired)
  • 2 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature, whisked)
  • 3 cups Day‑Old Cooked Rice (preferably chilled for best texture)
  • 1 piece Small Onion (diced, adds flavor to fried rice)
  • 3 stalks Scallions (sliced, for garnish and fried rice)
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken Powder (Chinese bouillon) (provides salty umami, not soy sauce)
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • to taste Salt (optional, adjust for seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fried Rice

    Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Whisk the two eggs and pour them in, scrambling quickly. When still slightly wet, add the chilled rice, breaking up clumps, and stir‑coat with the egg.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: high

  2. Season Fried Rice

    Add diced onion, 1 tsp chicken powder, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir‑fry until the rice is heated through and lightly glossy, about 2 minutes. Finish with sliced scallions and transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in a low oven.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  3. Steam Broccoli

    Place broccoli florets in a microwave‑safe bowl with a splash of water, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drain excess water and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high

  4. Make Orange Glaze

    In a saucepan combine orange juice, 3 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle boil, then whisk in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water. Stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles become small, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Prep Chicken

    Pat chicken cubes dry. Dredge each piece in tempura flour, shaking off excess. In a separate bowl whisk water with the remaining 1 tsp cornstarch to create a thin batter. Dip the floured chicken into the batter, allowing a light coating.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Heat Oil for Frying

    Fill the frying pan with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or test with a small drop of batter – it should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Fry Chicken

    Working in small batches, carefully lower battered chicken into the hot oil. Fry until golden‑brown and crisp, about 4‑5 minutes per batch. Remove with a spider skimmer and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Coat Chicken in Glaze

    In a clean hot skillet add a splash of oil, then sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add the fried chicken pieces, pour the orange glaze over, and toss to coat evenly. Add sliced scallions and stir‑fry for another 1‑2 minutes until the glaze clings.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  9. Plate and Serve

    Arrange the orange‑glazed chicken atop the fluffy fried rice, garnish with extra scallions, and place the steamed broccoli on the side. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
60g
Fat
20g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: contains gluten, contains dairy‑free, not vegan, not vegetarian

Allergens: eggs, wheat, soy, shellfish, corn

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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How to Make Orange Chicken with Jet Tila

Recipe by Food Network

A crispy, restaurant‑style orange chicken paired with fluffy, egg‑coated fried rice and simple microwave‑steamed broccoli. Using tempura flour for a light batter and real orange juice in the glaze, this American‑Chinese classic is elevated for home cooks.

MediumAmerican ChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.93
Total cost
$4.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Maintaining oil temperature at 350°F for frying
  • Ensuring batter is thin enough to coat without becoming heavy
  • Thickening the orange glaze to a glossy consistency
  • Coating the rice with egg before adding rice to create a non‑stick surface

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns – use a deep‑fat thermometer and never leave unattended
  • When removing chicken from oil, place on a wire rack, not paper towels, to avoid sogginess
  • Handle the microwave bowl with care – steam can cause burns

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Orange Chicken in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Orange Chicken originated in the United States as a Chinese‑American adaptation, popularized by fast‑food chains in the 1980s. It reflects the American palate’s love for sweet, tangy, and crispy dishes, while using Chinese cooking techniques like deep‑frying and a soy‑based glaze.

cultural
Q

How does traditional Cantonese orange‑flavored chicken differ from the version presented by the YouTube channel Food Network?

A

Traditional Cantonese recipes rarely use orange juice and focus on a simple soy‑vinegar glaze, whereas the Food Network version incorporates fresh orange juice, hoisin, and oyster sauces for a richer, sweeter flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of orange chicken exist within Chinese-American cuisine?

A

Some regions add chili peppers for heat (Spicy Orange Chicken), others use a thicker batter with rice flour for extra crunch, and a few West Coast versions include pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is orange chicken traditionally associated with in American Chinese culture?

A

Orange chicken is a popular take‑out choice for casual gatherings, birthday parties, and sports‑watching events, symbolizing comfort food rather than a ceremonial dish.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in orange chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include Chinese chicken bouillon powder, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Acceptable substitutes are chicken broth powder, tamari, white wine vinegar, and arrowroot powder, though flavor may vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What other American Chinese dishes pair well with orange chicken?

A

Serve orange chicken alongside steamed jasmine rice, fried rice (as in this recipe), lo mein, or a simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What makes orange chicken special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Its combination of a crispy, tempura‑style coating and a glossy, sweet‑tangy orange glaze creates a contrast of textures and flavors that has become an iconic comfort dish in the United States.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making orange chicken at home?

A

Common errors include frying at too low a temperature (resulting in soggy coating), using a batter that’s too thick, and over‑saucing the chicken so the glaze becomes watery instead of glossy.

technical
Q

How do I know when the orange glaze is properly thickened?

A

The glaze is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and the bubbles become small and steady, indicating the cornstarch has fully gelatinized.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary techniques, featuring both professional chefs and home‑cook-friendly recipes across many cuisines.

channel

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