Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish right in your kitchen. With its crispy, golden chicken pieces enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This homemade version rivals any Chinese takeout, making it an ideal choice for family meals or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The double frying technique ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
• Versatile Dish: Serve this orange chicken over rice or noodles, making it adaptable to your taste.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking by modifying the sugar and chili flakes.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of cooking a delicious meal from scratch that tastes better than takeout!

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Orange Chicken, having the right tools can make all the difference. Below are essential items you’ll need for preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or spider
• Paper towels or rack for draining

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or deep frying pan: Provides ample space for frying chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing sauces without spills.
• Slotted spoon or spider: Perfect for safely removing fried chicken from hot oil without losing crispy texture.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt (fine salt is okay too)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
• 1 cup orange juice (about 2 to 3 oranges juiced)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (use less if you prefer it less orange-y)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (use more if your oranges are not as sweet)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced (about 1 clove))
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes (or 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper)
• 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced (white and green separated))
• Whole dry chili pepper (optional)
• Oil (as needed for cooking)

How to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Thighs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Cornstarch

Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs. Mix until well combined. Then, add the cornstarch and continue mixing until no dry cornstarch is visible. Finish by adding the oil.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a wok or tall pan, pour about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat until it reaches 375°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While waiting for the oil to heat up, prepare your orange chicken sauce. In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

When oil is hot enough at 375°F, gently place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil one at a time. Avoid overcrowding; fry in batches if needed! Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let drain for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Double Frying

Ensure oil returns to 375°F, then add fried chicken pieces back into oil for a second fry. Let them cook another 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels or rack.

Step 7: Make the Orange Chicken Sauce

In a wok over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add sliced green onions’ white parts, minced garlic, and chili peppers. Stir fry until fragrant (10–15 seconds).

Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Pour prepared sauce into wok after giving it a good mix. Increase heat to medium-high; cook until bubbly and thickened while stirring frequently.

Step 9: Coat Fried Chicken

Add fried chicken pieces to sauce; stir well until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve hot with white rice or fried rice; garnish with green onion tops. Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Serving Orange Chicken can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some delicious ways to present this popular dish.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or white rice for a classic combination that soaks up the flavorful sauce.

With Fried Rice

• Pair the orange chicken with fried rice for a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Add peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for extra color and taste.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the orange chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds freshness and crunch while reducing carbs.

As a Stir-Fry Bowl

• Create a stir-fry bowl by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Top with orange chicken for a colorful and nutritious meal.

With Noodles

• Serve over noodles (like chow mein or udon) tossed in soy sauce for a satisfying noodle dish that complements the sweet and spicy chicken.

As Appetizers

• Cut the orange chicken into smaller bites and serve them as appetizers at parties. Provide toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce for added fun.

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How to Perfect Orange Chicken

Perfecting your orange chicken can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results.

• Marinate longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil at 375°F to ensure crispy chicken without excess grease.
• Double fry: Frying the chicken twice enhances its crispiness and texture, creating that signature crunch.
• Use fresh oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice will provide a brighter flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your sauce before adding sugar; depending on your oranges’ sweetness, you may need less sugar.
• Garnish well: Don’t forget to garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving for an appealing presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken

Pairing sides with your delicious orange chicken can create a balanced meal that’s sure to impress. Here are some great side dish options:

1. Fried Rice – A savory blend of rice with vegetables and protein cooked together; perfect to complement the sweet flavors of orange chicken.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Crisp-tender broccoli adds nutrition and color, balancing the richness of the main dish.
3. Egg Rolls – Crunchy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat offer a delightful crunch as a side.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with sesame dressing provides a light contrast to the hearty orange chicken.
5. Miso Soup – This comforting soup with tofu and seaweed can be a soothing starter before enjoying your main dish.
6. Spring Rolls – Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables add another layer of texture to your meal.
7. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles tossed in peanut sauce bring an Asian flair that pairs wonderfully with the orange flavors.
8. Garlic Green Beans – Stir-fried green beans seasoned with garlic provide both crunch and flavor that complements orange chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people encounter challenges when making orange chicken at home. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the marination step: Marinating the chicken helps enhance flavor and tenderness. Always allow the chicken to soak up the marinade for optimal taste.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in batches to ensure crispy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
• Not maintaining oil temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil, making it greasy. Use a thermometer to check that your oil stays around 375°F.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: A watery sauce won’t cling well to the chicken. Cook the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy for better coating.
• Forgetting garnish: Fresh green onions add a nice touch both visually and in flavor. Don’t skip this simple step for added appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store orange chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Orange Chicken

• Place orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making orange chicken at home.

Can I use breast meat instead of thighs for Orange Chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

What can I serve with Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables for balance.

How do I make Orange Chicken less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, simply decrease or omit the chili flakes from the recipe. You can also use sweet orange juice without any added spices.

Can I make Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and combine them just before serving.

Is this Orange Chicken recipe healthy?

While fried foods are generally higher in calories, using lean cuts of meat and fresh ingredients makes this dish a satisfying option when enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

This homemade orange chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on classic takeout favorites. With its crispy bite and zesty sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize with your preferred spice levels or add veggies for extra nutrition!