Crispy Orange Chicken
A delightful dish that combines the sweetness of oranges with savory fried chicken bites, perfect for any family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Thighs are juicier, but breasts will work.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating.
- 2 large eggs Beaten for coating.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs For the crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt To season the flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To season the flour.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Optional for extra crispiness.
- Oil for frying Enough for frying.
Orange Sauce
- 1 Zest of an orange Freshly zested.
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice For the sauce.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce For flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar For tanginess.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger For spice.
- 1 clove garlic, minced For flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil For richness.
Garnish
- Sliced green onions For garnish.
- Sesame seeds For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Let the breaded chicken sit for about 15 minutes on a plate.
Cooking
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, combine orange zest, orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the same pan and bring to a simmer, thickening slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss until well coated. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
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Notes
Pair with fluffy white rice or steamed vegetables. You can customize the sauce for different flavors.