Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Perfect for those who enjoy a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cold water (add more as needed to thin the batter)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6-8 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• Juice from 2 oranges
• Zest from 1 orange
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 5 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 4 tbsp cold water
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Batter:
      • In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water, stirring to form a smooth batter. If it’s too thick, add more water, a little at a time, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
   2. Coat and Fry the Chicken:
      • Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy, using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
   3. Prepare the Orange Sauce:
      • In a bowl, combine the orange juice, zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixed with water, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
   4. Cook the Sauce:
      • Heat the sauce mixture in a pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it begins to thicken. Once thickened, add the fried chicken to the pan, tossing the pieces in the sauce until evenly coated.

1. Serve:
   • Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with additional orange zest, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Serving & Storage Tips:

• Serving: Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in intervals, stirring in between.

Helpful Notes:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy coating on the chicken.
• Adjust the sugar in the sauce to your preferred level of sweetness.
• For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Chef Tips:

• Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
• Chef Jamie Oliver suggests double-frying the chicken for extra crunch.
• Chef Ina Garten advises letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to set the crispy coating before adding it to the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings

Enjoy your delicious homemade Orange Chicken—a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory!