Craving your favorite Chinese takeout recipes but want to make them fresh at home? These classic dishes are known for their crispy textures, bold sauces, and irresistible flavors—and the good news is, they’re easier to make than you think.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn how to prepare four iconic Chinese-style recipes featured in the image: General Tso’s Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, and Orange Chicken. Each recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, these homemade takeout recipes will quickly become staples in your kitchen.
Why Homemade Chinese Takeout Is Better
Making Chinese-style dishes at home allows you to:
- Control ingredients and oil levels
- Adjust sweetness and spice
- Enjoy fresher flavors
- Save money
- Serve meals hot and crispy
With the right techniques, you can recreate your favorite takeout flavors easily.
1. General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Sauce (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Dried red chilies (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Beat eggs and coat chicken pieces.
- Toss chicken in cornstarch until fully coated.
- Fry in hot oil (350°F / 175°C) until golden and crispy.
- In a pan, simmer sauce ingredients until thick.
- Toss fried chicken in sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- Salt & pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, chunked
Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Coat chicken with eggs and cornstarch.
- Fry until crispy and golden.
- Stir-fry bell peppers and onion lightly.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until glossy.
- Add chicken and vegetables to sauce.
- Toss gently and cook for 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
3. Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Toss beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes and drain.
- Stir-fry beef in hot oil until browned.
- Add garlic and broth.
- Add broccoli and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
4. Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 eggs, whisked
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
- Dried chilies (optional)
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Dip chicken in egg mixture.
- Coat with cornstarch and flour.
- Fry until golden and crisp.
- Simmer sauce ingredients until thick.
- Toss chicken in orange sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Crispy Takeout-Style Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for juicier texture
- Fry in batches to avoid soggy results
- Toss chicken in sauce just before serving
- Serve immediately for best crispiness
FAQs – Chinese Takeout Recipes
Can I bake or air-fry the chicken?
Yes, but deep frying gives the crispiest results. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 14–16 minutes.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Sauces can be made ahead, but fry chicken fresh for best texture.
Are these recipes spicy?
General Tso’s and Orange Chicken can be adjusted easily—reduce or increase chilies.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
These classic Chinese takeout recipes prove that you don’t need to order delivery to enjoy bold, crispy, restaurant-style meals. From sticky General Tso’s Chicken and tangy Sweet and Sour Chicken to savory Beef and Broccoli and bright Orange Chicken, this collection offers something for every craving.
Perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or meal prep, these recipes will impress your family and keep visitors coming back to your website for more.