Chinese cuisine is renowned for its incredible diversity, bold flavors, and vibrant presentation—and chicken is at the heart of many beloved dishes. From spicy Sichuan stir-fries to sweet and tangy glazed favorites, Chinese chicken recipes offer something for every palate and occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal, a comforting bowl of rice, or an impressive dish for a special gathering, these recipes bring the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. The beauty of Chinese chicken dishes lies in their balance of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and umami—all coming together in perfect harmony. With simple techniques and a few pantry staples, you can recreate classics like Kung Pao Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Chicken Chow Mein, or explore regional specialties such as Hainanese Chicken Rice and Szechuan Chicken. Each recipe in this collection is designed to be approachable for home cooks while delivering authentic taste and restaurant-quality results. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and have your family and friends asking for seconds. Let’s dive into these 16 delicious Chinese chicken recipes and discover new favorites to enjoy again and again.
1. Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a Sichuan classic that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a favorite both in China and around the world. Tender chunks of chicken breast are marinated and quickly stir-fried with crunchy peanuts, crisp bell peppers, and dried red chilies. The signature sauce combines soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar, creating a glossy coating that clings to every bite. Sichuan peppercorns add a unique numbing heat, elevating the dish and making each mouthful exciting. Kung Pao Chicken is incredibly versatile—serve it with steamed jasmine rice or toss it with noodles for a heartier meal. The contrast between the juicy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables makes every bite satisfying. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend feast. If you love bold flavors and a little bit of heat, Kung Pao Chicken is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.Get the recipe: Kung Pao Chicken
2. Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is a beloved takeout favorite, known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. The magic of this dish lies in the balance of flavors—fresh orange juice and zest provide brightness, while soy sauce, ginger, and garlic add depth and warmth. The chicken is first marinated, then battered and fried to golden perfection, ensuring a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. Once tossed in the glossy sauce, the chicken becomes irresistibly flavorful, with each bite delivering a burst of citrusy goodness. Orange Chicken is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality Orange Chicken any night of the week. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of color and flavor.Get the recipe:Orange Chicken
3. Sesame Chicken
Sesame Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a glossy, sweet, and savory sesame sauce. The chicken is lightly battered and fried until golden, then coated in a sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Toasted sesame oil and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds give the dish its signature nutty aroma and flavor. The result is a harmonious blend of textures—crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy inside. Sesame Chicken is a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, as it comes together quickly and appeals to all ages. Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or even a simple salad for a balanced meal. For extra color and nutrition, toss in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers. This dish is a wonderful introduction to Chinese cooking for beginners and a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves a sweet and savory flavor profile.Get the recipe:Sesame Chicken
4. Lemon Chicken
Lemon Chicken is a bright, zesty dish that brings a refreshing twist to classic Chinese flavors. Tender chicken breast is coated in a light, crispy batter and fried until golden brown, then tossed in a vibrant lemon sauce made from fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a touch of soy sauce. The sauce is both tangy and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. Lemon Chicken is a favorite for its clean flavors and appealing presentation, often garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a meal that feels special without a lot of fuss. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner. The balance of crispy chicken and tangy sauce makes every bite lively and delicious. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, Lemon Chicken is sure to brighten up your dinner table.Get the recipe:Lemon Chicken
5. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a timeless Chinese dish that delights with its colorful presentation and bold, balanced flavors. Bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a light batter, fried until crispy, and then tossed with bell peppers, onions, and pineapple in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce. The sauce, made from vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and soy sauce, perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making each bite irresistible. The combination of crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and bursts of pineapple creates a medley of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Sweet and Sour Chicken is a family favorite and a staple at Chinese restaurants, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please kids and adults alike. This dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion when you want to share a classic, crowd-pleasing recipe with friends and family. Get the recipe:Sweet and Sour Chicken
6. General Tso’s Chicken
General Tso’s Chicken is a takeout legend, beloved for its crispy fried chicken pieces bathed in a rich, slightly spicy, and sweet sauce. The chicken is marinated, battered, and fried until crunchy, then tossed in a sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, garlic, and a hint of chili. The result is a dish that’s both bold and comforting, with layers of flavor in every bite. General Tso’s Chicken is often served with steamed broccoli or rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Its deep, caramelized flavors and crispy texture make it a favorite for special occasions or when you’re craving something indulgent. This dish is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, allowing you to control the level of spice and sweetness to your liking. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish that will impress your family and friends. Get the recipe:General Tso’s Chicken
7. Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a stir-fried noodle dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. Tender strips of chicken are quickly cooked with crisp vegetables—like carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage—and tossed with egg noodles in a savory soy-based sauce. The key to great chow mein is high heat and quick cooking, which keeps the noodles and vegetables perfectly textured. Chow mein is endlessly customizable—add mushrooms, bean sprouts, or snap peas to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together in under 30 minutes and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Serve it as a main course or alongside other Chinese favorites for a complete feast. Chicken Chow Mein is a go-to recipe for noodle lovers and a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.Get the recipe:Chicken Chow Mein
8. Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a healthy, vibrant dish that’s a staple in Chinese-American cooking. Juicy chicken breast or thigh pieces are stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of oyster sauce. The result is a dish that’s both nutritious and deeply flavorful, with a perfect balance of tender chicken and crunchy vegetables. This stir-fry is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome, satisfying dinner. Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is also easy to customize—add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. The simple, clean flavors make this dish a family favorite and a great introduction to stir-frying for home cooks.Get the recipe:Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry
9. Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan Chicken, also known as Sichuan or Schezwan Chicken, is a fiery favorite from China’s Sichuan province, famous for its bold, spicy flavors. Boneless chicken pieces are stir-fried with a vibrant mix of dried red chilies, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns, which provide a unique numbing heat. The sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, creating a complex balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes. Szechuan Chicken is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and crave bold, exciting flavors. Serve it with steamed rice or fried noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is sure to wake up your taste buds and become a go-to recipe for spice lovers.Get the recipe:Szechuan Chicken
10. Hainanese Chicken Rice
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a beloved dish across Southeast Asia, prized for its simplicity and comforting flavors. Tender chicken is gently poached until juicy and flavorful, then served atop fragrant jasmine rice cooked in chicken broth with ginger and garlic. The dish is accompanied by classic dipping sauces—often a tangy chili sauce, savory soy sauce, and aromatic ginger-scallion oil. Hainanese Chicken Rice is both light and satisfying, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. The key to this dish is the quality of the chicken and the aromatic rice, which soaks up all the savory flavors. Garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish. This recipe is a wonderful way to experience the subtle elegance of Chinese home cooking.Get the recipe:Hainanese Chicken Rice
11. Chicken Manchurian
Chicken Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish that combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce and spices, then coated in cornflour and fried until golden. It’s then tossed in a sauce made from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, ketchup, and green chilies, resulting in a bold, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Chicken Manchurian is available in both dry and gravy versions, making it versatile for different occasions. Serve it with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a starter at parties and gatherings. This dish is a favorite among fans of bold, punchy flavors and is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.Get the recipe:Chicken Manchurian
12. Dragon Chicken
Dragon Chicken is an Indo-Chinese specialty that brings together tender stir-fried chicken, sweet and spicy sauces, and colorful vegetables. The chicken is marinated, coated in cornflour, and fried until crispy, then tossed with bell peppers, onions, and a sauce made from soy sauce, chili sauce, and a touch of honey. The result is a dish that’s both visually stunning and packed with flavor—sweet, spicy, and savory all at once. Dragon Chicken is often served as a starter or side dish, but it’s hearty enough to be a main course when paired with fried rice or noodles. The bold flavors and vibrant presentation make it a memorable addition to any meal, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.Get the recipe:Dragon Chicken
13. Chilli Chicken
Chilli Chicken is a Hakka Chinese favorite, known for its crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet chicken bites tossed with classic Chinese sauces and aromatics. The chicken is marinated, battered, and fried until golden, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers in a sauce made from soy sauce, chili sauce, and vinegar. The result is a dish that’s both crunchy and saucy, with layers of heat and tanginess. Chilli Chicken is perfect as a starter, side, or main course, and pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors and satisfying textures.Get the recipe:Chilli Chicken
14. Schezwan Fried Rice with Chicken
Schezwan Fried Rice is an Indo-Chinese classic that combines fragrant basmati rice, colorful vegetables, eggs, and chicken with a spicy Szechuan sauce. The chicken is stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and chili paste, then tossed with rice and veggies in a savory, spicy sauce. This dish is bold, aromatic, and makes for a hearty lunch or dinner that stands out from regular fried rice. Schezwan Fried Rice is perfect for spice lovers and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Serve it hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, for a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and delicious.Get the recipe:Schezwan Fried Rice
15. Black Pepper Chicken
Black Pepper Chicken is a savory stir-fry that highlights the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper, paired with tender chicken and crisp vegetables. The chicken is marinated in soy sauce and rice wine, then stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, and a generous amount of black pepper. The sauce is simple but packs a punch, with a balance of salty, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Black Pepper Chicken is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal that’s full of bold, peppery flavor. This dish is a favorite for those who love robust, straightforward tastes.Get the recipe:Black Pepper Chicken
16. Chinese Braised Chicken
Chinese Braised Chicken is a comforting, hearty dish that features juicy chicken and shiitake mushrooms simmered in a rich, savory sauce. The chicken is browned, then braised with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese cooking wine until tender and infused with deep umami flavor. The addition of mushrooms adds earthiness and texture, while a touch of sugar balances the savory notes. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners at home and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Chinese Braised Chicken is easy to make ahead and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings.Get the recipe:Chinese Braised Chicken
Chinese chicken recipes offer a world of flavor, texture, and culinary excitement. From spicy stir-fries and sweet glazed favorites to comforting rice dishes and bold fusion creations, there’s something for every taste and occasion. These 16 recipes are designed to be approachable for home cooks, delivering authentic taste and restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, these dishes will inspire you to explore new flavors and techniques. Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy the delicious journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese chicken cuisine. Your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas and satisfied smiles!
