Orange Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that brings the taste of Asian cuisine into your home kitchen. With crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight meals. Its vibrant color and aromatic scents will tantalize your senses, making it a favorite among adults and kids alike. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quite easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 370
- Protein: 27 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 20 grams
- Sodium: 510 mg
Why Make This Orange Chicken
Creating homemade Orange Chicken allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier dish compared to takeout. The combination of zesty orange juice, savory soy sauce, and sweetness from sugar creates a sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, producing a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Moreover, this recipe can be whipped up in less than half an hour, making it a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights.
How to Make Orange Chicken
Making Orange Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to ensure a delicious outcome!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Coating the Chicken
In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch. This step ensures that the chicken becomes crispy when cooked.
Step 2: Heating the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer before you add the chicken, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Preparing the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. This mixture creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will elevate your dish.
Step 5: Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, coating the chicken nicely.
Step 6: Serving
Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor but also a pop of color to your plate.
How to Serve Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice, allowing you to soak up the extra sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a lightened-up meal option. For a family gathering, consider serving it with egg rolls or a selection of dumplings.
How to Store Orange Chicken
To store leftover Orange Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid reheating in a skillet to maintain the dish’s texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken with cornstarch by dipping it in beaten egg before coating with cornstarch.
- Adjust the sugar in the sauce based on your taste preference; you can use honey or agave syrup as a natural alternative.
- Marinate the chicken in the orange sauce for an hour before cooking for a deeper flavor infusion.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for some heat.
- Healthier option: Substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener and use air-fried chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will give your dish more flavor and tenderness.
- What can I use instead of orange juice? Lemon juice or pineapple juice can be used for a different flavor profile, though it will change the overall taste.
- Is it necessary to use cornstarch? Cornstarch is key for achieving that signature crispy texture, but you can try flour as a substitute for a different texture.
- Can I make this dish in advance? While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time separately and combine just before serving.
- What should I do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of water or extra orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Orange Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that can brighten any meal. With its crispy texture and flavorful sauce, this dish brings the taste of takeout right to your kitchen table without the hassle. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy a homemade meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
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Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful blend of sweet and savory, Orange Chicken features crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, making it a perfect family dinner or casual weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra crunch, double coat the chicken with cornstarch and dip it in beaten egg first. Adjust the sugar to your taste; honey can be a great natural alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
