Orange Chicken is a favorite for a reason. This recipe combines juicy pieces of chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce that’s just right. It’s great for dinner any night of the week. Serve it up with some rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s super simple to make at home. Give it a try, and you might not need takeout anymore!
Orange Chicken is a popular dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a flavorful orange sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious meal.
INGREDIENTS
- For the batter:
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/3 cup cold water (may need more to make batter thinner; add additional water slowly)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Oil for frying
- For the orange sauce:
- Juice from 2 oranges
- Orange zest
- 5 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Make the batter by mixing the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and water. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water a bit at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Step 2:
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter and mix until they are evenly coated. Fry the chicken in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) until a meat thermometer shows the chicken is done, ensuring a crispy and golden brown coating.
- Step 3:
- To prepare the orange sauce, mix together the juice from 2 oranges, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixed with cold water, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Over medium heat, add the orange sauce mixture to a pan. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Step 5:
- Serve the orange chicken hot, garnished with additional orange zest or green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Orange Chicken immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is fresh and flavorful.
- Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional orange zest, green onions, or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and cook until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy coating.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to your taste preference for sweetness.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick if desired.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Chef Jamie Oliver recommends double-frying the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Chef Ina Garten advises letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to allow the coating to set before adding it to the sauce.