Orange Chicken – This recipe is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors – Crispy, golden-brown chicken bites are tossed in a orange glaze made with freshly squeezed orange juice, a touch of soy sauce, and just the right amount of sweetness, pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.
What Is Orange Chicken?
Orange chicken is a dish that originates from American-Chinese cuisine, featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken, typically fried, and tossed in a sweet and tangy orange-flavored sauce. Despite its popularity in the U.S., this dish is largely unknown in traditional Chinese cuisine. Its fame skyrocketed thanks to restaurant chains like Panda Express, where it’s one of the best-selling menu items.
Why Orange Chicken Is So Popular
- Sweet and Tangy Flavor Profile: The combination of citrusy orange, soy sauce, sugar, and a touch of vinegar creates a complex sauce that’s irresistible.
- Crunchy Texture: Double-frying the chicken ensures a perfectly crisp texture that holds up under the sauce.
- Family-Friendly: Its approachable flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
How to Make Orange Chicken at Home
Creating orange chicken at home is easier than you think! Here’s a quick overview of the process:
Ingredients for the Chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (for that perfect crunch)
- Eggs (to coat the chicken)
- Oil for frying
Ingredients for the Sauce
- Fresh orange juice and zest
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar or honey (for sweetness)
- Garlic and ginger (for depth of flavor)
- Red chili flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Cornstarch slurry (to thicken)
Steps to Prepare:
- Prep the Chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces and coat with a mixture of cornstarch and flour. Dip in beaten eggs before frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add the orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Orange Chicken
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken twice for maximum crunchiness.
- Fresh Oranges Are Key: Use fresh orange juice and zest for an authentic citrus flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Control the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
- Thick Sauce: A cornstarch slurry is essential for achieving that luscious, glossy coating.
Variations of Orange Chicken
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra chili flakes or Sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Baked Orange Chicken: For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying.
- Vegan Orange Chicken: Use tofu or cauliflower as a substitute for chicken.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour.
How to Serve Orange Chicken
Orange chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing.
- Fried Rice: For a hearty meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas add a fresh contrast.
- Noodles: Toss with stir-fried lo mein or rice noodles.
How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make orange chicken without frying?
Yes! You can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier version.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for a vibrant flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
Is orange chicken spicy?
Typically, it’s not spicy, but you can add chili flakes to taste.
What’s the difference between orange chicken and General Tso’s chicken?
While both are sweet and tangy, General Tso’s chicken leans spicier and less citrusy compared to orange chicken.
Can I meal prep orange chicken?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving.
Orange Chicken
Orange Chicken - This recipe is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors - Crispy, golden-brown chicken bites are tossed in a orange glaze made with freshly squeezed orange juice, a touch of soy sauce, and just the right amount of sweetness, pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 large egg
- 1½ lbs chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp light brown sugar
For the Sauce
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup distilled white vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¾ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1½ tsp sesame oil
For Coating the Chicken
- Heaping ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking & Serving
- Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 scallions (white and green parts separated)
- Rice for serving
Instructions
- Whisk the egg, soy sauce, and sugar in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, orange juice, chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk together cornstarch, flour, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Toss the mixture with the marinated chicken until each piece is coated in a clumpy, dry batter.
- Heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles when a piece of chicken is added. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4–5 minutes per batch, turning once. Drain on paper towels.
- Drain the oil from the skillet, leaving a clean surface. Heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat and sauté ginger, garlic, and scallion whites until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the sauce and simmer until thick and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Toss in the fried chicken and coat well.
- Garnish with scallion greens and serve hot over rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 776Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 265mgSodium 1732mgCarbohydrates 80gFiber 2gSugar 25gProtein 46g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Orange chicken is a delightful dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer the classic version or a healthier twist, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. With the tips and tricks in this guide, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time. So grab your wok, and let’s get cooking!
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