How To Make Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered and deep-fried until crispy, and then coated in a tangy, sweet and savory orange sauce. The chicken is usually tender and juicy on the inside, while the sauce adds a burst of flavors with its citrusy notes and subtle spiciness. The dish is often served over a bed of steamed rice and garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. Its vibrant orange color and irresistible aroma make it a favorite choice for many who enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors in their meals. Whether enjoyed as a takeout meal or homemade, orange chicken is a delicious and satisfying option that is sure to please the taste buds.

Orange chicken is a delicious and popular Chinese-American dish. Here's a basic recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 egg

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 1 cup cornstarch for coating

For the Sauce:

- 1/2 cup orange juice

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/3 cup rice vinegar

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

- 1 tablespoon orange zest

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Frying:

- Vegetable oil, for frying

For Garnish (Optional):

- Sliced green onions

- Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

- In a bowl, beat the egg, and season with salt and pepper.

- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.

- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure they are well coated. Place them on a plate or tray.

2. Heat the Oil:

- In a large skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to about 350-375°F (175-190°C).

3. Fry the Chicken:

- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Be cautious of overcrowding, as it can reduce the temperature of the oil. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Orange Sauce:

- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to thicken, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

- Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Gently toss the chicken until it's well coated with the sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve:

- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

8. Serve:

- Serve your homemade orange chicken over steamed rice, and enjoy!

This recipe provides a sweet and tangy orange glaze on crispy chicken. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your taste.