EASY PERFECT ORANGE CHICKEN

Craving that sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy Orange Chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Forget the takeout menu and get ready to create a restaurant-quality version right in your own kitchen because this recipe is faster, fresher, and tastier than anything you can order, guaranteed. I promise, with this recipe, you’ll be serving up the best Orange Chicken you’ve ever had!

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed is best!
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional (for a little kick!)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3-4 cups)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Orange slices

Step-by-Step to Orange Chicken Perfection

Okay, friend, are you ready to ditch those takeout menus and become an Orange Chicken master? Let’s break it down, step-by-step, so you can create this amazing dish with confidence. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back – I’ll point out any potential pitfalls and give you tips to avoid them.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, beaten egg, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. This is important! You want that perfect crispy coating.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the coating to adhere better.

Step 2: Prepare the Orange Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Bring the orange sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar. If it needs more depth, add a dash of soy sauce.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, deep pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of about 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will be soggy.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken.
3. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the fried chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This is key to keeping your chicken crispy!

Step 4: Toss and Serve!

1. In a large bowl, gently toss the fried chicken with the prepared orange sauce until evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets its fair share of that delicious sauce!
2. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and orange slices, if desired.

Troubleshooting & Tips for Orange Chicken Success

Even the best cooks encounter hiccups sometimes! Here are a few common problems and how to avoid them:

• Chicken is Soggy: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pot, and drain the chicken well on a wire rack after frying.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Ensure you simmer the sauce long enough after adding the cornstarch slurry to allow it to thicken. If it’s still too thin, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice to thin it out.
• Not Crispy Enough: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it! Fry the chicken once as directed, then remove it from the oil and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, fry it again for another 1-2 minutes until it’s extra golden brown and crispy.

Orange Chicken Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of sriracha for extra heat.
• Healthier Orange Chicken: Bake the chicken instead of frying it. Toss the marinated chicken with a little bit of olive oil and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. While it won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, it’s still a delicious and healthier option.
• Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add some stir-fried vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Stir-fry the vegetables separately, then add them to the bowl with the chicken and sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Orange Chicken Dinner

Orange Chicken is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Steamed white rice or brown rice are classic choices.
• Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein noodles are another great option.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, stir-fried green beans, or a simple side salad.
• Appetizers: Egg rolls, spring rolls, or crab rangoon.

Why Make Orange Chicken at Home? A Healthier Choice!

Let’s face it, Chinese takeout is tempting, but often loaded with sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. By making Honey Garlic Chicken or Orange Chicken at home, you control the ingredients and can create a healthier version. You can use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the sugar, and choose healthier cooking methods like baking or air frying. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your favorite comfort food without the guilt. Thinking about Honey Garlic Chicken is making me hungry!

This recipe can easily be adapted to fit into a Healthy Chinese Takeout Recipes meal plan or a Healthy Chicken Recipes For Two menu. Plus, knowing you made it yourself is incredibly satisfying! It’s a tasty way to ensure you’re having a Chinese Chicken Healthy dish without compromising on flavor.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired chicken dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out these other recipes:

• Honey Pepper Chicken: A sweet and savory delight with a hint of spice.
• Black Pepper Chicken: Bold and flavorful, perfect for pepper lovers.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: Another variation on a classic, quick and easy for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Making Orange Chicken at home might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! With this recipe and my tips, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality Orange Chicken in no time. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! You’ve got this, my friend. Enjoy!