Ingredients

For the Orange Sauce:

• 2 tbsp neutral, high smoke point oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1.5” piece ginger, grated
• 4 tbsp scallions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
• Juice of 1 large orange
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Cornstarch slurry (if needed): 3/4 tsp cornstarch mixed into 2 tsp water

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• Black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt (for seasoning)
• Fanta (for marinating, optional)

For Deep-Frying:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Water (to create batter consistency)

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes (sous vide) or 20 minutes (traditional method)
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (sous vide) or 40 minutes (traditional method)
• Servings: 4
• Calories (per serving): Approx. 350 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce

1. Heat the Oil:
   In a skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of neutral oil.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
   Add grated garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add Scallions:
   Stir in the chopped scallions and cook for another minute.
4. Combine Liquids and Seasonings:
   Pour in the chicken stock, mirin, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer and Reduce:
   Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry (if needed):
   Mix 3/4 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp water and add it to the sauce, stirring until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Option A: Sous Vide Fanta Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Season the chicken cubes with black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Place the chicken in a bag with Fanta and marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Sous Vide Cooking:
   Cook the marinated chicken in a sous vide water bath at 149°F (65°C) for 45 minutes.
3. Deep-Fry for Texture:
   Remove the chicken from the sous vide bag, pat dry, and deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

Option B: Traditional Deep-Fried Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   Season the chicken cubes with black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   Mix flour, cornstarch, and baking soda in a bowl. Gradually add water until a thick batter forms.
3. Coat and Fry:
   Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Coat the Chicken:
   Add the cooked chicken (both Fanta and traditional) to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve immediately.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The combination of crispy fried chicken and a tangy, sweet orange glaze is a flavor pairing that transcends cultures and cuisines. It’s a recipe that’s stood the test of time because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort.

What sets this version apart is the dual approach. By offering both a traditional deep-fried method and an innovative sous vide Fanta experiment, this recipe appeals to classic cooks and adventurous foodies alike. The use of Fanta as a marinade adds a playful twist, infusing the chicken with a subtle citrus flavor that enhances the orange sauce.

This dish is versatile enough to be a quick weeknight dinner or the star of a dinner party menu. It’s universally loved and easily adaptable, ensuring its place as a staple recipe for years to come.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different soda for marinating the chicken?
Yes! Try lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for unique flavor variations.

2. What can I substitute for mirin?
Use dry sherry or a mix of white vinegar and sugar as an alternative.

3. Can I make this recipe without frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the chicken for a healthier option.

Tips for Success

• Consistency of Sauce: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired thickness.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) for crispy chicken.
• Prepping in Advance: Make the sauce a day ahead for deeper flavors.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to the sauce.

Conclusion

Double Delight Orange-Glazed Chicken is a recipe that combines creativity, flavor, and fun into one unforgettable dish. The orange sauce is a perfect harmony of tangy and sweet, with the ginger and garlic adding depth and warmth. The two chicken preparation methods allow you to tailor the dish to your mood—whether you’re feeling experimental with the Fanta sous vide technique or craving the satisfying crunch of deep-fried chicken.

This recipe isn’t just about a delicious meal; it’s about the joy of cooking and sharing food that brings people together. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility and the way it effortlessly bridges the gap between traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this dish will make you feel accomplished and excited about your culinary skills.

Serve it at family dinners, impress guests at parties, or make it just for yourself to savor the rich, complex flavors. Whatever the occasion, Double Delight Orange-Glazed Chicken is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and let the magic of orange, chicken, and creativity unfold in your kitchen. You’ll find yourself making this dish again and again, each time savoring its timeless charm.