This flavorful orange chicken is a perfect combination of crispy, golden chicken and a tangy, sweet orange sauce. The chicken is marinated, coated, deep-fried, and then tossed in a zesty orange sauce that’s both savory and sweet. It’s a delicious dish that’s great for dinner or as a part of a festive meal.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian, 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
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
Cut the chicken breast into small 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. -
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. -
Coat the Chicken:
After marinating the chicken, dip each piece into the batter and coat it evenly. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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)
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 10%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Orange chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine, known for its sweet and tangy sauce. It is often served with rice and is a favorite at Chinese-American restaurants. While its roots are debated, it has become a well-known dish globally, thanks to its crispy chicken and rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe takes the traditional approach but includes a double-frying technique to ensure the chicken stays crispy even after being coated in the sauce.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The double-fried chicken provides a crunch that perfectly complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Balanced Sweetness: The combination of honey, orange juice, and vinegar provides the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili pepper powder.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Health Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamin C: The fresh orange juice and vinegar contribute to a good amount of vitamin C, which is vital for immune health.
- Low Carb Option: Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative to regular rice.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Rice: Orange chicken is typically served with plain white or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
- With Noodles: Serve over a bed of noodles for a twist on the traditional rice pairing.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan, as it will cause the chicken to become soggy instead of crispy.
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds more flavor and natural sweetness to the sauce compared to bottled juice.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or honey in the sauce to your taste.
Variations to Try
- Add Cashews: For a nutty crunch, add some roasted cashews or peanuts to the dish when combining the chicken with the sauce.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegan-friendly version of this dish.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more chili pepper or use chili paste to make the dish spicier.
- Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Conclusion
This orange chicken recipe is a perfect combination of crispy chicken and sweet, tangy sauce. With its crispy texture and vibrant flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese-American cuisine at home.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
-
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven to maintain its crispiness. -
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe as they are juicier and more flavorful. -
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. -
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flours and cornstarch for the batter and ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free. -
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version. -
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch or arrowroot powder for a similar effect. -
Can I make this dish without chili powder?
Yes, if you prefer a milder version, you can skip the chili powder or use a small amount of paprika instead. -
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). -
Can I add other fruits to the sauce?
Yes, you can add pineapple or mango to the sauce for a fruity variation. -
Can I use store-bought orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but store-bought juice can be used in a pinch.
Enjoy your crispy, tangy, and flavorful orange chicken!