Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade orange chicken with our delightful recipe. This culinary masterpiece beautifully balances the zesty essence of fresh oranges with tender, crispy chicken, creating a dish that captures the essence of comfort and exoticism in every delectable bite. Elevate your dining experience with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the savory-sweet allure of orange chicken right to your kitchen.
Originally homemade orange chicken recipe
Homemade orange chicken is a popular and flavorful dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It typically consists of bite-sized pieces of battered and fried chicken that are coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange-flavored sauce. The sauce is often made with fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, combining crispy and tender elements with the vibrant citrusy and savory notes of the sauce. It's a beloved dish that strikes a delightful balance between sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite on many restaurant and home menus alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup orange zest
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Dip them into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Heat oil in a pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat them evenly.
- Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions.Enjoy your delicious homemade orange chicken!
Video
Notes
Note: Cooking times and temperatures may vary, so be sure to adjust them based on your equipment and preferences.
An important thing to note when making an orange chicken recipe is to ensure that the orange zest and juice you use are fresh and of good quality. The zest provides a significant portion of the citrus flavor, so using fresh oranges will make a noticeable difference in the taste of the dish. Additionally, when frying the chicken, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Lastly, when thickening the sauce, gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring to prevent lumps and achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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