Orange Chicken
This Orange Chicken recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. It delivers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or casual family meals. The crispy chicken, bathed in a zesty orange sauce, rivals any takeout option. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create this delicious dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The sweet and tangy orange sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Homemade means you control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice than takeout.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Orange Chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or tall pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
- Paper towels or cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or tall pan: Ideal for frying as it holds more oil and helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken and combining sauces without mess.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer: Helps to easily remove fried chicken from hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (fine salt is okay too)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- 1 cup orange juice (about 2 to 3 oranges juiced)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (use less if you prefer it less orange-y)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (use more if your oranges are not as sweet)
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon garlic (minced; about 1 clove)
- ½ teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes (or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper)
- 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced; white and green separated)
- Whole dry chili pepper (optional)
- Oil (as needed for cooking)
How to Make Orange Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water:
1. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
2. Add the cornstarch and mix until no more dry cornstarch is visible.
3. Finish by adding the oil and mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the oil heats up:
1. In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch.
2. Mix well and set aside. You can also prepare this sauce ahead of time.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
When the oil is hot:
1. Maintain heat around 375°F.
2. Gently place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil one at a time; avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove chicken and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Second Frying
Ensure oil returns to 375°F, then fry chicken pieces again:
1. Fry for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels or a rack.
Step 7: Create the Orange Chicken Sauce
In a wok over medium heat:
1. Add a small amount of oil.
2. Once hot, add white parts of green onion, minced garlic, and chili peppers.
3. Stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken
Give prepared sauce a good mix:
1. Pour into wok.
2. Increase heat to medium-high; cook sauce until bubbly and glossy.
3. Stir frequently to ensure even thickening.
Step 9: Toss Chicken in Sauce
When sauce is ready:
1. Add fried chicken pieces into wok.
2. Stir and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 10: Serve
Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice:
Garnish with green parts of green onion for added flavor! Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken!
How to Serve Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is a delicious dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or lunch, there are several creative ways to present and serve this tasty meal.
With White Rice
- Serve orange chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce. It balances the flavors perfectly.
With Fried Rice
- Pair it with fried rice for added texture and flavor. The stir-fried vegetables in the rice complement the orange chicken well.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, serve orange chicken in crisp lettuce wraps. This makes for a light, low-carb option that’s fun to eat.
On a Bed of Noodles
- Place the orange chicken on top of steamed or stir-fried noodles. This adds a hearty element to your meal and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
As Part of a Feast
- Include orange chicken as one of several dishes in a family-style meal. It’s an excellent centerpiece alongside other Asian-inspired dishes.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Serve it with a side of lightly steamed broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color on your plate.
How to Perfect Orange Chicken
To achieve the ultimate orange chicken, consider these helpful tips for better flavor and texture.
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Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances its flavor and tenderness, making every bite juicy.
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Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 375°F while frying ensures that your chicken turns out crispy instead of greasy.
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Double Fry for Crispiness: Frying the chicken twice creates an extra crunchy texture that elevates your dish.
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Thicken Sauce Properly: Stirring frequently while cooking the sauce prevents uneven thickening, ensuring a glossy finish that clings perfectly to the chicken.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest provide brighter flavors compared to bottled alternatives, making all the difference in your sauce.
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Garnish Beautifully: Adding sliced green onions or sesame seeds right before serving not only enhances flavor but also adds visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken
Pairing side dishes with orange chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the orange sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful veggies adds nutrition and crunch alongside your sweet dish.
- Egg Fried Rice: Quick to prepare, this dish complements the flavors with its savory notes.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: These add a crunchy texture contrast, perfect for dipping in soy or chili sauce.
- Chinese Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that offsets the sweetness with its cool crunch.
- Garlic Broccoli: Simple yet flavorful, garlic broccoli provides a healthy dose of greens.
- Lo Mein Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in soy sauce pair well with orange chicken’s bold taste.
- Sesame Green Beans: These give a nutty flavor and extra crunch, enhancing your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making orange chicken, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step; it enhances the taste significantly.
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Overcrowding the frying pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in the oil at once can lower the temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for that perfect crispiness.
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Not monitoring oil temperature: Cooking with oil that’s too hot or too cool will affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain the right temperature.
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Forgetting to thicken the sauce: If you skip adding cornstarch to your sauce mixture, it may not cling well to the chicken. Ensure you mix it in properly for a glossy finish.
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Neglecting garnishes: Simple garnishes like green onions add freshness and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step when serving your orange chicken!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Orange Chicken
- For best results, freeze orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Orange Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions related to making delicious orange chicken:
What is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made of crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Can I make Orange Chicken with different meats?
Yes! While the classic version uses chicken, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for a different twist on this tasty dish.
How do I make Orange Chicken less spicy?
To reduce heat, simply omit the chili flakes from the recipe or use less than recommended. Adjusting spices allows you to customize according to your taste preferences.
How can I serve Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken pairs perfectly with white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This homemade orange chicken recipe brings comfort food straight from your kitchen. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it irresistible! Feel free to customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting spice levels according to your preference. Enjoy this delightful dish any night of the week!
Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the heart of Chinese cuisine into your kitchen. This recipe features tender, crispy chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce that rivals any takeout option. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious meal that will leave your family and friends asking for more. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for an unforgettable experience that beautifully balances flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes
- 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced; white and green separated)
- Whole dry chili pepper (optional)
- Oil (as needed for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.
- Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs and mix until well combined. Add the cornstarch and mix until no more dry cornstarch is visible. Finish by adding the oil and mix until evenly combined.
- In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F.
- While the oil heats up, prepare the sauce by combining orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- When the oil is hot, maintain heat around 375°F. Gently place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil one at a time; avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, then remove chicken and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Ensure oil returns to 375°F, then fry chicken pieces again for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels or a rack.
- In a wok over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add white parts of green onion, minced garlic, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Give prepared sauce a good mix and pour into wok. Increase heat to medium-high; cook sauce until bubbly and glossy, stirring frequently.
- Add fried chicken pieces into wok and stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice, garnished with green parts of green onion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
