Teriyaki chicken and orange chicken often share the spotlight on menus. 

They both boast of sweet and savory flavors, and although their appearances may seem similar, their compositions set them apart.  

Teriyaki chicken consists of soy-based glaze which offers a unique taste, while orange chicken is coated with a citrus infused sauce.  

Therefore, as each dish brings its own distinct taste to the table, it’s crucial to know what they are made of. 

In this post, we’ll go into details about what sets these dishes apart. 

What is orange chicken?

Orange Chicken is believed to have originated in the United States, specifically within the Chinese American restaurants.  

Since then, the dish has become a staple in many Asian-inspired menus. 

This dish is made with bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated in a crispy batter.  

The distinctive flavor comes from the orange-infused sauce, which is a blend of orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar.  

The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet and tangy profile that sets Orange Chicken apart. 

How orange chicken is prepared 

To prepare Orange Chicken, the chicken pieces are first coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The cooked chicken is then tossed in the vibrant orange sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for an explosion of flavor. 

Orange Chicken boasts a sweet and citrusy flavor, accompanied by a satisfying crunch from the crispy exterior.  

What is teriyaki chicken?

Teriyaki Chicken finds its roots in Japanese cuisine.  

The term “teriyaki” refers to a traditional Japanese cooking method that involves grilling or broiling with a glossy, soy-based sauce. 

Teriyaki Chicken traditionally includes boneless chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.  

This marinade imparts a savory and slightly sweet flavor, and also creates a glossy finish on the grilled or broiled chicken. 

How teriyaki chicken is prepared

The preparation involves marinating the chicken for a period to allow the flavors to permeate. 

Once marinated, the chicken is either grilled or broiled, thereby enhancing the natural umami taste of the meat. The final product is a succulent dish with a shiny glaze. 

Teriyaki Chicken offers a savory, slightly sweet taste, with a glossy appearance from the caramelized marinade.  

The texture is tender and juicy. This dish can be served on its own, with rice, or incorporated into various stir-fry recipes. 

Difference between orange chicken and teriyaki chicken

Orange Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki are two popular dishes that you may find in Asian restaurants. 

The distinctive differences between these two dishes range from their ingredients, preparation, and flavors. 

Here we highlight these distinguishing features. 

ingredients

The ingredients used in Orange Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki contribute to their individual flavor profiles. 

Orange Chicken typically involves bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, accompanied by a sauce featuring orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar.  

On the other hand, Chicken Teriyaki includes boneless chicken marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet glaze. 

Preparation

The preparation methods further distinguish the two dishes. Orange Chicken is prepared by coating chicken in seasoned batter, deep-frying until golden brown, and then tossing it in the orange-infused sauce.  

This process gives orange chicken crispy coating, and the vibrant orange sauce contributes to its glossy finish. 

Chicken Teriyaki is not battered; however, it involves marinating the chicken in a sauce, and then grilling or broiling it to achieve a glossy finish. 

Flavor

The flavor profiles of Orange Chicken and Chicken Teriyaki differ significantly.  

Orange Chicken is known for its sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of citrus, while Chicken Teriyaki offers a savory and slightly sweet flavor, emphasizing the umami taste.