Crispy Orange Chicken

Introduction

Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It’s a popular favorite in many households and is often enjoyed with rice. This recipe brings a taste of the classic takeout right to your kitchen, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Crispy Orange Chicken at home is a great choice for several reasons. First, you can control the ingredients, ensuring it’s both fresh and flavorful. Second, it’s a fun and straightforward dish that can be made quickly. Lastly, everyone loves crispy chicken paired with a zesty sauce, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.

How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

1 1⁄2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
Salt & pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/2 tsp grated ginger
Zest of 1 orange

Directions:

Coat Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, dip the chicken into a mixture of flour and cornstarch, followed by the beaten eggs, and then back into the dry mix to create a nice coating.
Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make Sauce: In a saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch slurry. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then stir in the slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Toss & Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the warm orange sauce until well coated. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken is best served warm. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Adding a colorful vegetable like steamed broccoli or bell peppers can also enhance the meal.

How to Store Crispy Orange Chicken

If you have leftovers, store Crispy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or skillet to keep the chicken crispy.

Tips to Make Crispy Orange Chicken

For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the egg and dry mix.
Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, depending on your taste.

Variation

For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat the pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like thighs.

2. What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, lemon juice or a mix of citrus juice can work, but the flavor will change.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before tossing it with the chicken.

Enjoy making this delightful Crispy Orange Chicken and treat your family or friends to a flavorful meal they will love!