Homemade Orange Chicken Bites (Print version)

Crispy chicken bites tossed in a glossy orange sauce with garlic, ginger, and fresh citrus.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken bites

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 3/4 cup (96 g) cornstarch, plus more if needed
07 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) neutral oil, for shallow frying

For the orange glaze

08 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice
09 - 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
10 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
12 - 1/3 cup (65 g) packed light brown sugar
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
15 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
16 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For serving

17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
18 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
19 - Cooked white rice or steamed broccoli, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Keep the orange zest and cornstarch slurry nearby for the end.
02 - Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let stand for 5 minutes while you heat the oil.
03 - Add the cornstarch to the chicken and toss until every piece is coated and looks mostly dry. Press the starch onto the chicken with your fingers where needed.
04 - Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in 2-3 batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning once or twice, until golden and cooked to 165 F. Transfer to a wire rack.
05 - Carefully pour off all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 20-30 seconds, stirring constantly so they do not burn.
06 - Pour in the orange sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy and lightly thickened.
07 - Return the chicken to the skillet and toss quickly until coated. Turn off the heat, stir in the orange zest, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served immediately after tossing with the sauce.
02 - Nutrition estimate is for chicken and sauce only, without rice or vegetables.
03 - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free variation.

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