Orange Chicken Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Orange Chicken Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Orange Chicken Day is celebrated on July 15th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Orange Chicken Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you need know about Orange Chicken Day.

📅 What day is Orange Chicken Day 2024?

In 2024, Orange Chicken Day is on Saturday, July 15th. It is the 3rd Saturday in July; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about July 15, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year on July 15th, we come together to celebrate National Orange Chicken Day. While the origins of this dish may be unclear, its presence in Chinese restaurants across North America has become a source of delight for our taste buds. It is interesting to note that while the flavors of the dish are influenced by China’s Hunan Province, the version of orange chicken that has captured the hearts of many Americans is not an authentic Chinese creation. Instead, it often consists of chicken nuggets coated in a delectably tangy and sticky sauce, incorporating key Asian ingredients such as vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.

📜 Orange Chicken Day History

More than 2,100 years ago, Hunan cuisine reached its peak by offering a wide variety of foods, with over 4,000 options, and employing unique cooking methods. The Hunan Province in southeast China is known for its spicy and sour dishes that highlight their exceptional ingredients. The meal is known to be rich and satisfying, bursting with vibrant colors and a fresh aroma. It is believed that the popular orange chicken we enjoy today was inspired by tangerine chicken, a dish originating from Hunan Province. Tangerine chicken, translated as dried citrus peel chicken, had a fresher and spicier taste compared to the eventual orange chicken.

In the 1800s, Chinese immigrants from Guangdong Province came to the United States in search of a better life. They introduced the method of preparing chicken with dried orange peels, although it was not deep-fried or coated in batter or sugar. Due to limited employment opportunities and societal issues like racism and prejudice, Chinese immigrants opened restaurants to cater to the growing immigrant population. As Chinese cuisine gained popularity among Americans in the 1970s, traditional meat dishes were modified to suit the American palate, becoming sweeter and less spicy.

As a result, various chefs claim to have developed “orange chicken” from the original “tangerine chicken.” One such chef is T.T. Wang from New York’s Hunan Restaurant, known for his orange beef that closely resembles orange chicken. Some argue that it is similar to another Americanized Chinese dish, General Tso’s chicken. In 1987, Andy Kho created Panda Express’s signature orange chicken while working as a cook in Hawaii, making his version the most widely recognized.

Regardless of its origins, we are simply grateful for the opportunity to indulge in this delicious treat by ordering it from our favorite takeout restaurant.

✅ Orange Chicken Day Facts

🔖 Kung Pao chicken
A dish made by cooking small pieces of chicken with peanuts, Sichuan peppercorns, and a variety of vegetables.

🔖 Orange chicken
Chicken pieces that have been coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy, then smothered in a zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.

🔖 General Tso’s chicken
Delicious chicken that has been deep-fried until crispy, served with a delectable sauce that combines a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness.

👍 Why Is Orange Chicken Day Important

We really don’t need to say anything else because food is always a cause for celebration. In fact, we’d argue that food is an essential component of each celebration.

National Orange Chicken Day is an opportunity to honor Chinese immigrant culture and how it evolved and merged with American culture to produce such unique and inspired dishes that are enjoyed around the world. It’s an opportunity to learn about a people’s hardships as well as their customs and culture.

Orange chicken is a specialty of fast-food restaurants such as Panda Express, and the best part is that many of these restaurants promote worthwhile organizations. Panda Express, for example, encourages not just consumers but also its internal colleagues to contribute generously and donate to any Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their area. Perhaps this is what gives their chicken that additional kick!

🙂 How To Observe Orange Chicken Day

⚡ Know your Chinese-American history
Orange chicken, along with many other Chinese dishes adapted for American tastes, has a fascinating and diverse background. Its story is closely connected to the development of immigrant communities and their culture, with food being a crucial element. To pique your interest, we suggest beginning your exploration with the documentary film “The Search for General Tso.” For an enhanced experience, enjoy the film while indulging in some delicious orange chicken takeout!

⚡ Feast on orange chicken
There’s nothing better than going directly to the origin, so go ahead and select any popular American-Chinese establishment and order your meal. You can be almost certain that it will be available at most renowned Chinese fast-food restaurants.

⚡ Make it an occasion
To elevate the dining experience, why not organize a dinner party inspired by the Hunan Province? You can prepare authentic dishes like tangerine chicken or create a menu centered around citrus flavors. The possibilities for a themed culinary event are endless.

📅 When is Orange Chicken Day?

See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Cooking holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Orange Chicken Day. So be sure to check back soon.