Chinese Orange Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine that typically consists of bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and other seasonings, then dredged in cornstarch or flour and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
How To Make
The orange sauce is made by cooking together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and other flavorings until it thickens into a sticky glaze. The cooked chicken pieces are then tossed in the sauce until they are coated evenly.
Chinese Orange Chicken is often served with steamed white rice and steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy. It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, with a crispy and crunchy texture from the fried chicken.
Here are some tips and variations for making Chinese Orange Chicken:
Tips:
To ensure the chicken stays crispy, fry it in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the sauce to get the best flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili flakes to the sauce for some heat.
For more taste and texture, garnish the dish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Variations:
Swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp to make a vegetarian or seafood version of the dish.
Use a mixture of orange and other citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, for a more complex flavor.
Make the sauce using honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Add in other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Make the chicken less greasy by pan-frying or baking it instead of deep-frying.
Experiment with different types of batters or coatings for the chicken, such as tempura or panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
- For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil)
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper together. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until coated.
Add the beaten egg to the bowl and mix until the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate pan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) over medium-high heat. When the mixture reaches a boil and the sugar has dissolved, whisk.
In a small coliseum, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Add to the saucepan and whisk until the sauce has thickened.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss until the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.
Serve the Chinese Orange Chicken hot with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables. Add green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish if preferred.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese Orange Chicken!