Orange Chicken

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Plate of orange chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions
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Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s a favorite in many households and offers a taste of Asian cuisine that is easy to make at home. With delightful flavors and a satisfying crunch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Orange Chicken at home is not only fun, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. You can enjoy a satisfying meal without the need to order takeout. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use fresh ingredients and create a dish that’s both delicious and wholesome.

How to Make Orange Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt & pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

  1. Prep Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the pieces in a mix of flour and cornstarch, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat again in the flour/cornstarch mix.

  2. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

  3. Make Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  4. Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce is thickened and glossy.

  5. Toss: Coat the crispy fried chicken in the warm orange sauce until well covered.

  6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Serve Orange Chicken hot, over a bed of rice or with steamed vegetables. It makes a satisfying meal that is sure to delight everyone at your table.

How to Store Orange Chicken

Store any leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or a stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make Orange Chicken

  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy coating.
  • If you prefer, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar.

Variation

If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Additionally, you can include vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli in the dish for added nutrition.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    • Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer. They will work just fine.

  2. Can I make this dish in advance?

    • While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and fry the chicken just before serving.

  3. What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

    • It pairs well with rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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Orange Chicken

  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
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Description

A beloved dish combining crispy chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for a delightful home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh is best)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge the pieces in a mix of flour and cornstarch, dip them in beaten eggs, and then coat again in the flour/cornstarch mix.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce is thickened and glossy.
  5. Coat the crispy fried chicken in the warm orange sauce until well covered.
  6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken for a crispy coating. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: orange chicken, Asian cuisine, homemade chicken, crispy chicken, takeout alternative

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