Orange Chicken

This Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. With marinated chicken cooked to crispy perfection and tossed in a vibrant orange sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The balance of sweet and spicy flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, making it a sure crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This orange chicken can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: Bursting with orange flavor, this dish combines sweetness and spice that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Crispy Texture: The double-frying method ensures that every piece of chicken is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes according to your preference.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious orange chicken recipe, you will need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or tall pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels or cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or tall pan: Ideal for deep frying as they hold enough oil for even cooking without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce; using multiple sizes helps in organization.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer: Helps remove fried chicken from oil easily while allowing excess oil to drain away.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt (fine salt is okay too)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• ½ 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)
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (use more if your oranges are not as sweet)
• 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ tablespoon garlic (minced (about 1 clove))
• ½ 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: Prepare the Chicken Coating

Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs and mix until well combined. Next, add the cornstarch and mix until evenly combined. Finish by adding the oil and mixing again.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a wok or tall pan, add about two to three inches of oil. Heat the oil until it reaches approximately 375°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While waiting for the oil to heat up, prepare the 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 the oil is hot, maintain it at around 375°F. Gently place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil one at a time without overcrowding. Fry for about four to five minutes before removing them from the oil. Let them drain on paper towels for two to three minutes.

Step 6: Second Fry

Ensure that the oil temperature returns to 375°F before adding fried chicken pieces back in for a second fry. Let them cook for another five to six minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain them again on paper towels.

Step 7: Make Orange Chicken Sauce

In a wok over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add sliced green onion whites, minced garlic, and chili peppers. Stir-fry for ten to fifteen seconds or until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Give your prepared sauce a good stir before pouring it into the wok. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until bubbly and thickened while stirring frequently.

Step 9: Coat Fried Chicken with Sauce

When your sauce reaches perfection, add in all fried chicken pieces. Stir well until every piece is coated with that delicious orange sauce.

Step 10: Serve Your Dish

Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice. Garnish with green parts of green onion on top. Enjoy your homemade orange chicken!

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Serving orange chicken can turn your meal into a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides, enhancing its flavors and presentation.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is the classic pairing for orange chicken. It absorbs the delicious sauce, balancing the sweetness and spice.

Over Fried Rice

• For a heartier option, serve orange chicken over fried rice. The added vegetables and flavors in fried rice complement the tangy sauce beautifully.

As a Wrap

• Create a fresh wrap by placing orange chicken in a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Add some fresh veggies for crunch and drizzled sauce for extra flavor.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with crisp greens can provide contrast to the rich flavors of orange chicken. Dress it lightly with sesame vinaigrette to tie in the Asian theme.

In a Rice Bowl

• Combine orange chicken with brown rice or quinoa, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for an easy, nutritious meal.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving. They add freshness and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.

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How to Perfect Orange Chicken

To achieve restaurant-quality orange chicken at home, follow these tips to ensure your dish is flavorful and crispy.

• Marinate well: Giving the chicken time to absorb the marinade enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping oil at 375°F ensures that the chicken fries evenly and achieves that perfect crispy texture.
• Fry in batches: Avoid crowding the pan while frying; this allows each piece to cook thoroughly without steaming.
• Mix sauce thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before adding them to avoid clumps in your sauce.
• Serve immediately: For optimal texture, serve your orange chicken right after cooking to keep it crispy.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go; if you prefer more sweetness or spice, feel free to modify ingredients accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with orange chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A mix of vegetables and eggs stir-fried with rice makes a tasty complimentary dish.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies add a crunchy texture alongside the tender chicken.
3. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked vegetables seasoned lightly bring freshness to balance the richness of orange chicken.
4. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup can be a comforting starter that pairs well with this flavorful main course.
5. Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed in sesame dressing provide a refreshing contrast to hot orange chicken.
6. Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli drizzled with soy sauce adds both color and nutrients to your plate.
7. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers brightness against rich flavors.
8. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables complement the sweet notes of the dish nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing orange chicken, even small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in smaller batches for that perfect crispiness.
• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Allow enough time for the marinade to infuse for a more delicious outcome.
• Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 375°F before frying.
• Not mixing the sauce well: A poorly mixed sauce can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Stir thoroughly each time before adding to the pan for a consistent taste.
• Rushing the second fry: Skipping or hurrying through the second frying step can prevent achieving that golden, crispy texture. Patience during this step is key!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store orange chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Orange Chicken

• Freeze orange chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil and stir-fry until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making orange chicken:

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring battered and fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

How do I make Orange Chicken crispy?

To ensure your orange chicken is crispy, double-fry it after marinating. This method helps achieve that golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While traditional orange chicken uses chicken, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or even pork for different flavors.

What sides pair well with Orange Chicken?

Orange chicken pairs beautifully with white rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables. Consider adding spring rolls for an extra treat!

Can I modify the spice level of Orange Chicken?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. Customize it according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

This homemade orange chicken recipe captures all the delightful flavors you love from takeout but is made fresh at home! With its crispy texture and zesty sauce, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices to fit your taste preferences.