why make this recipe
Orange Chicken is a popular dish that brings together the savory taste of chicken with the sweet and tangy flavor of orange sauce. This recipe is easy to make at home and offers a delicious alternative to takeout. With a crispy coating and a vibrant sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
how to make Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour together. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then coat it with the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying. Deep fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy. Drain the chicken on paper towels.
- In another saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until it is well coated. Serve hot.
how to serve Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken is best served hot. You can place it on a plate and garnish with extra orange zest for color. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles to enjoy a complete meal. You might also want to add some steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
how to store Orange Chicken
If you have leftover Orange Chicken, let it cool down to room temperature first. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness when reheated.
tips to make Orange Chicken
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. This helps to create a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding different spices or vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the Orange Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use pineapple juice or lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
Orange Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour together. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then coat it with the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan for frying. Deep fry the chicken until it is golden brown and crispy. Drain the chicken on paper towels.
Sauce Preparation
- In another saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until it is well coated. Serve hot.
