Orange Chicken Recipe
Craving a delicious take-out-style meal at home? This Orange Chicken Recipe is your answer! Made with crispy chicken bites tossed in a tangy and sweet orange sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re looking to impress guests with some bold, vibrant flavors. Let’s jump into how you can make this easy yet flavor-packed orange chicken at home.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it again in the flour mixture. This double coating helps make the chicken extra crispy.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce begins to simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- If desired, add sesame oil and red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor and a hint of spice.
Step 3: Combine Chicken with Orange Sauce
- In a large bowl or pan, toss the fried chicken with the prepared orange sauce until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Orange Chicken
- Fresh Orange Juice: Using freshly squeezed orange juice gives the sauce a bright, authentic flavor. Store-bought orange juice can be used in a pinch but fresh is always better!
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For extra crispy chicken, fry the pieces twice. After the first fry, allow the chicken to cool slightly and then fry again for another 1-2 minutes.
- Control the Sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet version, start with less sugar and add more if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your orange chicken with:
- Steamed white rice or fried rice.
- A side of steamed broccoli or a vegetable stir fry.
- Noodles for a different twist.
Variations
1. Spicy Orange Chicken
For a spicy kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the orange sauce.
2. Orange Chicken Stir-Fry
Toss in some veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a one-pan stir-fry version.
3. Baked Orange Chicken
If you prefer a healthier version, skip the frying and bake the chicken. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture as directed and then bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I make orange chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss the chicken in it right before serving to maintain the crispiness.
2. Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for a different take on this recipe.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to retain the crispy texture.
4. Can I freeze orange chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven and heat the sauce on the stovetop before tossing them together.
5. What’s the best way to reheat orange chicken?
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F to regain its crispiness. The sauce can be warmed up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Conclusion
This Orange Chicken Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home. With crispy chicken bites and a sauce that packs a punch, this orange chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Pair it with rice, veggies, or noodles for a complete meal, and enjoy the taste of takeout without ever leaving your kitchen!
Orange Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Garnishes:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour together. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the cornstarch-flour mixture. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Make the Orange Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil. - Coat the Chicken:
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until well coated. - Serve:
Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.