Orange Chicken

This homemade Orange Chicken tastes just as good, if not better than Chinese takeout! Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a delightful weeknight meal, this dish features marinated chicken pieces that are deep-fried to crispy golden perfection. Tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce brimming with orange flavors, it promises to satisfy your cravings while being simple to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crispy Texture: The double frying technique ensures that your chicken is irresistibly crispy and golden brown.
• Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors makes this orange chicken stand out among other recipes.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a hit for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting on your Orange Chicken, gather your tools to make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or tall pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels or rack for draining

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or tall pan: Ideal for frying, allowing for even heat distribution and ample space for cooking.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough room for marinating the chicken thoroughly without mess.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Essential for safely removing fried chicken from hot oil without splatter.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Orange Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 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)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 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)

For Frying:

• Oil (as needed for cooking)

How to Make Orange Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

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: Add Eggs and Cornstarch

Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs. Mix until well combined. Then add the cornstarch and blend until no dry cornstarch is visible. Finish by adding the oil and mix again.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat until it reaches 375°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the oil heats up, prepare your orange 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 First Time

When the oil is hot (maintaining around 375°F), gently place marinated chicken pieces into it one at a time. Avoid overcrowding; fry in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes before removing them from the oil to drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Second Frying

Ensure that the oil returns to 375°F. Add fried chicken pieces back into hot oil for another fry of about 5 to 6 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain again on paper towels.

Step 7: Make The Orange Chicken Sauce

In a clean wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, stir-fry white parts of green onion along with minced garlic and chili peppers for about 10 to 15 seconds until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Sauce with Chicken

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

Step 9: Coat Fried Chicken

Once sauce is ready, add fried chicken pieces into it. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated with sauce.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately over white rice or fried rice. Garnish with sliced green parts of green onion. Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken!

How to Serve Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you want to elevate your meal or simply enjoy it with some comforting staples, there are plenty of options to consider.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve orange chicken over fluffy steamed white rice for a classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce.

In a Wrap

• For a fun twist, wrap orange chicken in a tortilla along with fresh veggies for a zesty lunch option.

On a Salad

• Toss orange chicken pieces on a bed of mixed greens with sesame dressing for a refreshing salad that balances flavors.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Add sliced green onions on top for an extra burst of color and flavor, enhancing the presentation.

With Fried Rice

• Pair it with fried rice loaded with vegetables and egg for a hearty, satisfying meal that complements the chicken’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Orange Chicken

To ensure your orange chicken turns out crispy and flavorful every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate thoroughly. This helps infuse flavors and tenderizes the meat.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 375°F while frying. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying. Frying in smaller batches helps maintain temperature and prevents steaming.
• Mix Sauce Properly: Ensure all ingredients for the sauce are well combined before adding them to the wok, which helps achieve a consistent texture.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve orange chicken right after cooking. This keeps it crispy and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your orange chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fried Rice – A flavorful blend of rice stir-fried with vegetables and eggs makes for an excellent complement.
2. Spring Rolls – Crisp spring rolls filled with vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the soft chicken.
3. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the sweet flavors of the dish.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a cool crunch that counters the richness of orange chicken.
5. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon can add healthy grains to your meal while keeping it light.
6. Garlic Noodles – Sautéed noodles infused with garlic create a savory addition that pairs beautifully with orange flavors.
7. Mango Salsa – Sweet mango salsa provides a tropical twist that enhances the citrus notes in orange chicken.
8. Zucchini Noodles – For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini tossed in sesame oil makes for an elegant side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating and frying chicken can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of while making Orange Chicken.

• Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow enough time for the chicken to absorb the marinade.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in the oil at once can lower the temperature, resulting in soggy rather than crispy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
• Not Preheating the Oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t fry properly. Ensure your oil reaches 375°F before adding the chicken.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: Overcooking or undercooking the sauce can affect its flavor and texture. Stir frequently as it cooks to achieve a bubbly, glossy sauce.
• Using Too Much Cornstarch: Adding excessive cornstarch can make the coating gummy instead of crisp. Follow measurements carefully for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Orange Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with date for easy identification later.

Reheating Orange Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This is quicker but may soften the coating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Orange Chicken that might help you perfect your dish!

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken is a popular dish featuring battered and fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

How can I customize my Orange Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. You can also adjust spice levels by adding more chili flakes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular cornstarch with gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.

How long does it take to prepare Orange Chicken?

The total time from prep to serving is about 30 minutes, making it a quick yet delicious meal option.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or beef if you’re looking for alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Orange Chicken delivers delicious flavors, rivaling any takeout dish! It’s versatile enough for customization with various proteins or vegetables to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!