Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the zest of orange with a balance of sweet and spicy notes. Tender chicken breast is coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a tangy orange sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, with a crunchy exterior and juicy, well-seasoned chicken inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal or a fun twist on a classic, this orange chicken recipe will become a go-to favorite. The fresh citrus flavor combined with a hint of spice makes it a standout dish for lunch or dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Seasoning:
- 290g Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 2 tbsp Orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 3g (1 tsp) Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
For the Batter/Dough:
- 50g (5 tbsp) Rice flour
- 25g (2.5 tbsp) Cornstarch powder
- 25g (2.5 tbsp) Plain flour
- 90ml Water (cold, for a crispier batter)
For the Sauce:
- 0.5 tsp Ginger powder (optional, adds warmth)
- 1 tsp Chili pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- 50g Brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 50ml (8 tbsp) Orange juice (freshly squeezed for tanginess)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 4 tbsp Vinegar (preferably rice vinegar for a mild tang)
For the Starch Water (to thicken the sauce):
- 1.5 tbsp Cornstarch powder (or potato starch)
- 2 tbsp Water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, orange juice, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter/Dough
- Mix the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, combine the rice flour, cornstarch powder, and plain flour.
- Gradually add the cold water while stirring to make a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Chicken:
- After marinating, dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring that it is well-coated. Set the coated chicken aside while you heat the oil for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat to deep-fry the chicken. The oil should be hot (around 350°F or 175°C) but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger powder (if using), and chili pepper powder. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch powder (or potato starch) with water to create the starch water.
- Slowly add the starch water to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss until the chicken is well-coated with the orange sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy orange chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Tips:
- For Extra Crispiness: Make sure the water used in the batter is very cold. Cold batter will create a crispier crust when fried.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken. Too low, and the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy; too high, and the chicken will brown too quickly without cooking through.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick after adding the starch water, you can thin it out with a little more orange juice or water. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Spice Level: For a spicier kick, increase the chili pepper powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover crispy orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness after refrigerating, but it will still taste delicious.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to maintain some crispiness. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces (without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken and reheat in the oven before tossing in the sauce.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 2 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 32g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They are slightly juicier than chicken breast and provide more flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How can I make the sauce less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or honey in the sauce to make it less sweet. Alternatively, increase the amount of vinegar to add more tang and balance out the sweetness.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the battered chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Stir-fry them separately and add them to the chicken before tossing everything in the sauce.
Conclusion:
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a slight hint of spice. The tender, crispy chicken paired with the vibrant orange sauce creates a well-balanced dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare at home and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether served with rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the refreshing citrus flavors and crispy textures of this homemade orange chicken!