Crispy Orange Chicken with Tangy Citrus Glaze

Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy, golden-fried chicken with a tangy, sweet orange sauce. This Chinese-American classic has become a staple in many households and restaurants, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The dish features marinated chicken pieces that are battered, deep-fried, and then coated in a zesty orange sauce, making it a perfect choice for dinner or festive occasions.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–30 minutes (includes marinating time)

• Total Time: 50–60 minutes

• Cuisine: Chinese-American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 290 g chicken breast

• 1 orange (for juicing)

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 3 g (1 tsp) salt

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Batter:

• 50 g rice flour (5 tablespoons)

• 25 g plain flour (2.5 tablespoons)

• 25 g cornstarch powder (2.5 tablespoons)

• 90 ml water

For the Orange Sauce:

• 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon chili pepper powder

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 4 tablespoons vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 50 g brown sugar (can substitute with white sugar)

• 50 ml orange juice

For Thickening:

• 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch (or potato starch)

• 2 tablespoons water (for starch water)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

   • Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.

   • In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of orange juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the juice of 1 orange.

   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well.

   • Let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour, plain flour, cornstarch, and water.

   • Mix everything well until you get a smooth batter.

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • After marinating the chicken, dip each piece into the batter and coat it evenly.

4. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, combine ginger powder (if using), chili pepper powder, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and orange juice.

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 1–2 minutes.

   • In a separate small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make starch water.

   • Gradually add the starch water to the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

   • Turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.

5. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it rises within 1–2 seconds, the oil is ready.

   • Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches. Ensure each piece has space and is submerged in the oil.

   • Fry for about 4–5 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy.

   • Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest for about 5 minutes before frying it again to make it extra crispy.

6. Double Fry the Chicken for Extra Crispiness:

   • After the initial fry, return the chicken pieces to the oil for a second fry.

   • Fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the outside is golden brown and crispy.

   • Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

7. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce:

   • Add the crispy fried chicken into the saucepan with the orange sauce.

   • Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.Bon Appétit

8. Serve:

   • Serve the orange chicken with rice or your favorite side dish.

   • Garnish with chopped peanuts or green onions if desired.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Orange chicken is a Chinese-American dish that originated in the United States. The most commonly known version was developed by Chef Andy Kao at a Panda Express in Hawaii in 1987. Since then, it has become the signature dish of the Panda Express chain, which sells over 100 million pounds of it every year. While inspired by Chinese cuisine, orange chicken is rarely found in traditional Chinese restaurants in China. It is considered an Americanized variation of sweet and sour dishes from China. Wikipedia+1Epicurious+1

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The sweet and tangy orange sauce perfectly complements the crispy fried chicken.

• Texture Contrast: The double-frying technique ensures a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

• Homemade Goodness: Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking.

• Versatility: This dish pairs well with various sides, making it suitable for different meal preferences.

Health Benefits

While orange chicken is an indulgent dish, preparing it at home offers some advantages:

• Controlled Ingredients: You can choose high-quality chicken and adjust the amount of sugar and salt.

• Freshness: Using fresh orange juice provides natural vitamin C and antioxidants.

• Portion Control: Homemade preparation allows for appropriate portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

• With Noodles: Pair with stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal.

• Vegetable Sides: Complement with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad.

• Garnishes: Top with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.

• Skipping the Double Fry: The second fry ensures extra crispiness; don’t skip this step.

• Not Drying Chicken Properly: Excess moisture can cause the batter to slide off; pat the chicken dry before marinating.

• Overcooking the Sauce: Cooking the sauce too long can make it too thick or caramelized; monitor closely.

Pairing Recommendations

• Beverages: Pair with green tea, jasmine tea, or a light beer to balance the richness.

• Desserts: Finish the meal with a light dessert like mango sorbet or fruit salad.

Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor of the sauce.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature for frying.

• Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance to save time.

Similar Recipes to Try

• General Tso’s Chicken: A spicy, sweet, and tangy chicken dish.

• Lemon Chicken: Crispy chicken with a zesty lemon sauce.

• Sesame Chicken: Fried chicken coated in a sweet sesame sauce.

This homemade orange chicken delivers all the bold, tangy-sweet flavor you love—without the need for takeout. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests, this dish combines crispy chicken bites with a rich, zesty orange glaze that’s sure to satisfy. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Once you try this easy and delicious recipe, it might just become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!