Orange Chicken Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk about some of the things weOrange Chicken Recipe.. Not just any orange chicken, but *the* orange. The one that hits all the right notes: “Orange Chicken”. Is that sticky glaze that makes you want to lick the plate clean? Remember those nights when you’d order takeout and the orange chicken was always the first thing to order? How can I recreate that magic in my own kitchen? How can I make this recipe without waiting for delivery? Is it like General Tso’s chicken?

What is orange chicken?

Orange chicken, at its heart, is crispy fried chicken coated in a vibrant orange-flavored glaze. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food with a zing. It’s essentially a Chinese-American takeout staple that’s gained popularity worldwide. The beauty of orange chicken lies in its perfect balance of sweet and sour. The crispy chicken provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, sticky sauce. The name comes, of course, from the prominent use of orange juice and zest in that glorious sauce. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, which is probably why it’s so beloved.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What’s not to love?Orange Chicken Recipe.Is a game-changer for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking about juicy chicken coated in a glaze that’s bursting with citrusy goodness. Is it sweet, tangy, and a little bit savory, all at the same time? Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. I know frying chicken can sound intimidating, but trust me, this recipe breaks it down into smaller pieces. How do I follow the What is the key to a successful frying process? What I love about this is how cost-effective it is. What is the best way to feed a family for less than the price of takeout? Plus, you get to control the ingredients and make it exactly to your liking. And don’t forget the versatility! What are some good ways to serve it over rice or noodles? If you love the idea of recreating takeout favorites at home, you should also try my sweet and sour recipe. It’s similar flavor profile but with a different protein and slight variation in the sauce. I know you won’t regret it.

How to Make Orange Chicken

Quick Overview

Making this Orange Chicken Recipe: What are some ofIs it a daunting task at first? How do I cook chicken? We start by preparing it, cutting it into bite-sized pieces, and marinating it for maximum flavor. How do you fry chicken? What’s the best way to cook chicken in orange glaze? Is it a What is the secret to success? How do I balance the sweetness with the acidity and a touch of heat?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: What are some of the
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 large egg
* 1 cup water (cold)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

What is the orange chicken sauce?
* 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best! Is it safe to use soy sauce or rice vinegar? Brown sugar * 1 tablespoon cornstarch * 2 tablespoons orange zest * 3 teaspoons salt * 4 teaspoon salt. Ginger (freshly grated) * 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Frying:
* Vegetable oil (for frying)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare & Marinate the Chicken

First, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized, roughly 1-inch pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of black pepper. This simple marinade will tenderize the chicken and give it a head start on flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or even better, up to an hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture is the base of our crispy batter. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid any pockets of unmixed flour.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vegetable oil. The cold water is key for a light and crispy batter, so don’t skip that step!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Do not overmix flour, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough batter. A few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Remove from heat. How do you dip a piece of marinated chicken into the batter? Carefully drop the battered chicken into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the chicken. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on the wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Orange Chicken Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, orange zest, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a glossy sauce. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange glaze and toss to coat evenly. How do I make sure every piece of chicken is covered in that sticky sauce?

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve the What are some of the best orange chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.

What should I serve it with?

This Orange Chicken Recipe.Is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic Chinese-American meal, serve it over steamed white rice. What is the best way to soak up the orange glaze? What are some good side dishes to serve with fried rice? If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving it with brown rice or quinoa. What is a good veggie to serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy? My family loves it with a simple side salad for freshness. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, consider pairing it with egg rolls or spring rolls. What is a good side dish with chow mein noodles? Growing up, my mom always made this with a big pot of jasmine rice and some stir-fried vegetables. What a perfect family meal!

How do I perfect an orange chicken?

How do I take my own life?Orange Chicken Recipe.How can I take my business to the next level?Chicken Prep:Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly. Don’t skip the marinating step! What is the difference between tenderness and flavor of chicken?Batter ConsistencyIs the batter too thick for chicken? If your batter is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency.Frying Temperature:What is the best way to cook crispy chicken? If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through on its own. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.Sauce Adjustments: WhatTaste the orange glaze as it simmers and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more rice vinegar. If you like spicy, add more red pepper flakes.Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts instead. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook through. You can also use honey instead of sugar in the glaze for a more natural sweetness. I’ve even tried using a little bit of maple syrup, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Baking Option: For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Toss the battered chicken in a little bit of oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! This Orange Chicken Recipe stores well in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the orange chicken. Place the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the orange chicken, I recommend storing the chicken and the glaze separately. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to reheat, simply reheat the chicken in the oven or in a skillet until crispy, then toss it in the glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the batter with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum for binding. Also, double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. Just be sure to cut them into smaller, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and don’t dry out. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain juicier, but chicken breasts are a perfectly acceptable substitute.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Start by reducing the granulated sugar and brown sugar by a tablespoon each, and then taste and adjust as needed. You can also add a little extra rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. However, keep in mind that these vinegars have a slightly different flavor profile than rice vinegar, so the taste of the sauce may be slightly altered.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the orange chicken. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are all great additions. Simply stir-fry the vegetables in a little bit of oil before adding the chicken and sauce.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! My go-to Orange Chicken Recipe, ready for your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a weeknight savior, and a surefire way to satisfy those takeout cravings without leaving the house. I truly believe that making your own version of this classic dish is not only healthier but also incredibly rewarding. The bright citrusy aroma, the crispy chicken, and that perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce… it’s simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Asian-inspired dishes, like my sesame noodles or my homemade dumplings. They’re all family favorites and are guaranteed to impress. Now, go forth and conquer that orange chicken! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

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