Homemade Orange Chicken

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect orange chicken:

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts – 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Cornstarch – 1/2 cup
• All-Purpose Flour – 1/2 cup
• Eggs – 2, beaten
• Vegetable Oil – For frying
• Orange Juice – 1/2 cup (freshly squeezed is best)
• Soy Sauce – 1/4 cup
• Rice Vinegar – 2 tablespoons
• Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
• Orange Zest – 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch Slurry – 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Red Chili Flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (optional for a spicy kick)
• Sesame Seeds – For garnish
• Green Onions – Chopped, for garnish

Timing

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Perfect Orange Chicken

Step 1- Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts for Orange Chicken

The choice between chicken thighs and breasts can make a difference in texture and flavor. I personally prefer using thighs because they’re juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work well too if you’re looking for a leaner option.

Step 2- Preparing the Chicken

• Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour.
• Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat with the flour mixture.

Step 3- Frying the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per batch.
• Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4- Making the Orange Sauce

• In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce to thicken it. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• If you like it spicy, now’s the time to add those red chili flakes.

Step 5- Combining the Chicken and Sauce

• Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the orange sauce until they’re fully coated.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a final touch.

Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken Every Time

Getting that perfect crunch is all about the frying process. Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy.

Healthier Alternatives: How to Make a Low-Calorie Orange Chicken

For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat the chicken as usual, place it on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce or use a sugar substitute.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Homemade Orange Chicken

Orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. For a complete meal, add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. A light cucumber salad with a soy-ginger dressing also complements the flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Orange Chicken

1- Overcrowding the Pan: This can lead to soggy chicken instead of a crispy exterior.

2- Not Thickening the Sauce: The sauce needs to be thick enough to coat the chicken without being too runny.

3- Skipping the Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest make a big difference in the flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Chicken for Best Results

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F until crispy, then reheat the sauce on the stovetop and toss them together just before serving.

Variations on the Classic: Spicy, Sweet, and More

1- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

2- Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter, richer flavor.

3- Lemon Chicken: Swap out the orange juice and zest for lemon for a different citrus twist.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

Conclusion

Homemade orange chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s a recipe that brings a little bit of restaurant magic right into your kitchen. So why not give it a try? You might just find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation, just like it did in mine.