If you’ve ever enjoyed orange chicken, you know how irresistible it is. The perfect mix of sweetness, tang, and savory flavors has made it a favorite in homes and restaurants alike. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a special occasion, orange chicken brings the perfect balance of flavor and texture to any meal.
Why We Love This Orange Chicken Recipe
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The real magic of orange chicken lies in its contrast of flavors. The sweet and tangy orange sauce coats crispy, golden chicken pieces, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The sauce itself—made from fresh orange juice, zest, and a few pantry staples—provides a refreshing burst of citrus that perfectly complements the savory, slightly salty flavor of the chicken.
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside
The secret to perfect orange chicken is a crispy exterior paired with a tender, juicy interior. When fried correctly, the chicken is crunchy on the outside, providing an irresistible texture. Each bite is perfectly balanced with the luscious, thick orange sauce, adding a mouthwatering glaze to the crispy pieces.
Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its restaurant-quality taste, orange chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare. In fact, you can make this dish from scratch in under 30 minutes! The recipe doesn’t require exotic ingredients or complex techniques, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Versatile and Family-Friendly
Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner, a dinner party, or just to satisfy your cravings, orange chicken is sure to please everyone. Its sweet flavor is universally loved, making it a great choice for families with children or picky eaters.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken Recipe
To make your own delicious orange chicken, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Chicken breast – Provides a tender and juicy base for the dish, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
All-purpose flour and cornstarch – The perfect combo for creating a crispy coating on the chicken.
Orange juice and zest – The key ingredients for the vibrant and tangy flavor, bringing the signature citrusy zest to the dish.
Soy sauce and rice vinegar – Together, these balance the sweetness with a touch of umami and acidity, creating a well-rounded sauce.
Garlic and ginger – These aromatics infuse the dish with depth and fragrance, enhancing the overall flavor.
Red pepper flakes – A hint of spice adds a kick, balancing the sweet and tangy notes of the orange sauce.
How to Make Orange Chicken
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s go step-by-step to make this incredible orange chicken.
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely coated, and then dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
Heat a large pan with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve the perfect crisp.
Once fried, remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Make the Orange Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water, and then stir it into the sauce. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency.
Taste the sauce. If you want it sweeter, add a little more sugar, or for more tang, increase the amount of vinegar or orange juice.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring that every piece is coated evenly.
Allow the chicken to absorb the sauce for a minute or two. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken
Double-Coating the Chicken: For extra crispiness, try double-coating the chicken. After dipping it in the egg wash, coat it again in the flour-cornstarch mixture before frying. This creates an even crunchier texture.
Fry in Batches: Don’t crowd the pan when frying the chicken. Fry the pieces in batches to allow each one to cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer your sauce sweeter or tangier, feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts to suit your taste. For a stronger citrus flavor, add more orange zest.
Fresh Juice Matters: For the best flavor, always use fresh orange juice. The sweetness and tanginess of fresh oranges far surpass the flavor of store-bought juice.
Variations of Orange Chicken
Healthier Version: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can bake the chicken pieces instead of frying them. Simply toss the coated chicken in a little olive oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
Spicy Orange Chicken: For those who enjoy a little heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in a tablespoon of sriracha for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Orange Chicken: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh to create a plant-based version of this dish. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying for the crispiest results.
Serving Suggestions for Orange Chicken
Pair with Rice: Orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice. The rice soaks up the sauce and complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
Vegetables: Serve your orange chicken alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. These fresh, crunchy vegetables balance out the richness of the chicken.
Garnish: To elevate your presentation, top your orange chicken with fresh green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a little extra orange zest for color and flavor.
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FAQ Section
1. What is orange chicken made of?
Orange chicken is made of boneless, battered chicken pieces that are fried until crispy and then coated in a tangy, sweet orange sauce made from orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
2. Can I make orange chicken healthier?
Yes! You can make orange chicken healthier by baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup to cut down on the sweetness, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
3. How do I thicken the orange sauce?
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and then stir it into the simmering sauce. This will help it achieve a thicker, more glossy consistency.
4. What can I use instead of chicken in orange chicken?
For a vegetarian version, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying for the best texture.
5. How do I store leftover orange chicken?
Store any leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to maintain its crispiness.
Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Orange zest
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger freshly grated
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Beat the egg and add to the mixture. Coat the chicken pieces in this batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce thickens, add the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired and serve hot!