Name: Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: chinese-american
Ingredients: 350–450 g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; Oil, for frying; ½ cup cornstarch; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 egg white; 1 tsp sesame oil; ¼ tsp ground white or black pepper; ⅓ cup water (add more if the batter is too thick); ¾ cup fresh orange juice; ½ tsp orange zest; 4–6 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine; ½ tsp grated ginger; 1 clove grated garlic; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp cold water; Toasted sesame seeds; Green onions, thinly chopped

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Short Description

Orange chicken is a delicious and crispy dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. This popular takeout favorite combines the crunchiness of deep-fried chicken with the bold flavors of citrus and soy sauce, making it an irresistible meal for both kids and adults. Whether served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, this dish is a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of crispy fried chicken and a rich, sticky orange glaze makes this dish truly mouthwatering.
Homemade Goodness: You can control the ingredients and avoid preservatives commonly found in takeout versions.
Quick and Easy: With a few pantry staples, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat well, making it a fantastic choice for batch cooking.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Cornstarch
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Soy sauce
Orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
Orange zest
Sugar
Rice vinegar
Garlic
Ginger
Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil (vegetable or peanut oil)
Green onions (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preparing the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk eggs. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and flour.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour-cornstarch mix.
Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Making the Orange Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes.
Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce.
Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Combining Everything

Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly.
Let the chicken absorb the sauce for a couple of minutes over low heat.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over steamed rice or with vegetables.

Variations

Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Healthier Alternative: Pan-fry the chicken in less oil or air-fry it for a lighter option.
Extra Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Honey Orange Chicken: Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in an oven to retain crispiness.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice or water to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Coating the chicken with cornstarch and flour, then double-frying it, ensures a crunchier texture.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

What type of chicken is best?

Chicken thighs provide juicier meat, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and fry the chicken just before serving for maximum crispiness.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower and follow the same cooking method.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles pair well with this dish.

Can I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with honey for a milder sweetness.

What oil is best for frying?

Peanut oil or vegetable oil is ideal due to their high smoke points.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a little water or extra orange juice while heating to thin it out.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes! Try adding a splash of sesame oil or hoisin sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Orange chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a tangy, sweet orange glaze. Making it at home allows you to customize the flavors while ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re recreating a takeout favorite or trying it for the first time, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy restaurant-quality orange chicken from the comfort of your kitchen!

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