Orange Chicken

Every time I think of making Orange Chicken, I can’t help but reminisce about those cozy family dinners. The aroma would fill the kitchen, and before I knew it, my loved ones would gather around the table, eagerly waiting to dive into that sweet and tangy goodness. It’s a dish that brings back memories of laughter and shared moments. Whether it was a weeknight meal or a special occasion, Orange Chicken always felt like a celebration. The crispy bits of chicken coated in that luscious sauce are nothing short of irresistible. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that effortlessly combines sweetness with a kick? As I slice into juicy pieces of chicken, I’m reminded of how comforting home-cooked meals can be, especially when they’re as vibrant and flavorful as Orange Chicken.

Main Ingredients for Orange Chicken

Each ingredient in Orange Chicken plays a significant role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors. The star of the show is, of course, the orange juice, which brings sweetness and brightness to the dish. The soy sauce adds depth, while ginger and garlic enhance the overall flavor profile. The combination of chicken, cornstarch, and flour ensures a crispy texture that is simply irresistible. Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only delicious but also comforting and satisfying.

• 1½ cups orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is the heart of this dish, providing a vibrant, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1 cup sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness to the sauce, helping to create that delicious glaze.
• ¼ cup rice vinegar or white vinegar: The vinegar adds acidity to the dish, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce: It provides that umami flavor that makes the sauce so rich and savory.
• ½ teaspoon ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note that elevates the dish.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Garlic brings a fragrant, savory aroma that complements the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes: This adds a hint of heat, balancing out the sweetness of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, providing the perfect glaze.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps to create a slurry with cornstarch.
• orange zest from 1 orange: The zest adds an aromatic layer of citrus flavor.
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The main protein that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
• 3 eggs: Used for battering the chicken, giving it that rich flavor and helping the coating stick.
• ⅔ cup cornstarch: This creates a crispy outer layer when frying.
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Combined with cornstarch, it ensures a crunchy texture.
• oil for frying: Necessary for achieving that delicious golden-brown color.
• garnish with green onions and orange zest: Adds freshness and an appealing visual touch.

Step by Step Instructions for Orange Chicken

The journey to making Orange Chicken is as enjoyable as the end result. Each step is simple, and the aromas that fill your kitchen will keep you motivated. Let’s get started!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Cook over medium heat for about three minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally until the mixture is well combined and starts to bubble. The smell will be delightful, signaling that you’re on the right track.
2. In a separate bowl, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir until a smooth paste forms. This is your thickening agent, which will give the sauce that rich, glossy texture.
3. Add the cornstarch paste to the orange mixture in the saucepan. Continue to cook for about five minutes or until the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Once thick, remove it from the heat and stir in the orange zest. Keep the sauce warm, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the chicken.
4. In a shallow dish or pie plate, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create your dredging mixture. This step is essential for creating that wonderful crunch on your chicken.
5. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well combined. This will help the coating stick to the chicken pieces, ensuring they turn out perfectly crispy.
6. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the coated pieces on a plate and let them rest for a moment.
7. Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check that the oil reaches 350°F. Be patient, as this is crucial for getting that golden-brown color.
8. Carefully place several pieces of chicken into the hot oil. Fry for about two to three minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
9. Once all the chicken has been fried, toss it in the warm orange sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this is where all the flavors come together!
10. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions and additional orange zest before serving. Serve hot over rice or enjoy it straight from the pan; it’s that good!

Make It Your Own

There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing Orange Chicken. Whether you want to play with flavors or adjust the heat, here are some ideas to help make it your own.

• Experiment with Citrus: Try using grapefruit or lemon juice for a different citrus kick.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or snap peas into the dish for added color and nutrition.
• Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your spice preference.
• Oven-Baking Option: For a healthier version, consider baking the coated chicken instead of frying. Just spray with oil and bake until golden.
• Orange Marmalade: For an extra sweet touch, add a spoonful of orange marmalade to the sauce.
• Serving Variations: Serve over quinoa or in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

What Complements This Orange Chicken

• Perfect Pairing: Serve Orange Chicken with fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy add a colorful and nutritious side.
• Occasions: This dish is excellent for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even special celebrations.
• Leftover Ideas: Leftovers make for great lunch options, whether in wraps or over a salad.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is suitable all year round, making it perfect for any occasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes Orange Chicken special is its perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, combined with the nostalgia of shared meals with loved ones. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a staple in many households. I encourage you to try making it tonight for a delicious family dinner that will surely impress everyone at the table.

Orange Chicken

The ultimate comfort food Orange Chicken is a crispy delight coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With its irresistible flavor and satisfying crunch, this dish will have you craving more. Try making it tonight for a delicious family meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups orange juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 0.25 cups rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• orange zest from 1 orange orange zest
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 eggs
• 0.67 cup cornstarch
• 0.67 cup all-purpose flour
• oil for frying
• garnish with green onions and orange zest

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes. Cook for about three minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally until well blended and bubbly.
• In a separate bowl, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to form a paste. This will be your thickening agent.
• Add the cornstarch paste to the orange mixture in the saucepan and cook until thickened, about five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest.
• In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
• In another bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture and then coat with the flour mixture.
• Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high to 350°F. Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about two to three minutes.
• Remove the fried chicken and let it drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining pieces.
• Toss the fried chicken in the warm orange sauce until well-coated.
• Garnish with green onions and additional orange zest before serving.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftover Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat for a yummy lunch or leftover dinner.

Keyword Chinese takeout at home, crispy chicken dish, easy weeknight dinner, Orange Chicken recipe

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.