Orange Chicken Recipe

Are you craving a dish that’s both sweet and savory? This orange chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious, zesty orange sauce. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to impress at your next dinner party or family gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Green onions, for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 22g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 10g
– Fiber: 1g

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Start by marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour and cornstarch together.
3. Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture.
4. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
7. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
8. In a bowl, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
9. Pour the sauce into the pan, bringing it to a simmer.
10. Add the fried chicken back into the pan, coating it in the sauce.
11. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
12. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. You can also substitute honey for sugar or use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.

Serving and Pairings

This orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Cooking Mistakes

• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it can lead to soggy chicken.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken, or it will absorb too much oil.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger; add them at the right time.
• Don’t skip the marination; it enhances flavor.
• Check the sauce consistency; it should be thick enough to coat the chicken.
• Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.
• Let the chicken rest after frying for a crispier texture.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Double the sauce if you prefer extra for serving.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Try garnishing with sesame seeds for added crunch.
• Serve with a slice of orange for a fresh touch.

FAQs

Can I make orange chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance. Fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables.

Is orange chicken spicy?

Traditionally, orange chicken is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for heat.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute orange juice with lemon or lime for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of regular flour.

Conclusion

This orange chicken recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with a homemade twist. With its crispy chicken and tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Orange Chicken

A delicious orange chicken recipe featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce, perfect for serving over rice.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Keyword: orange chicken, Asian cuisine, chicken recipe, quick dinner

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce for 10 minutes.
• Mix flour and cornstarch together in a bowl.
• Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté garlic and ginger in the same pan until fragrant.
• Combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl.
• Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
• Add the fried chicken back into the pan, coating it with the sauce.
• Garnish with green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g