Chinese Orange Chicken

Introduction

Chinese Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The crispy chicken, coated in a luscious, flavorful orange glaze, offers the perfect contrast to the vibrant sweetness and slight tanginess of the sauce. It’s a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Chinese-American restaurant, but without having to leave your kitchen.

This Chinese Orange Chicken is ideal for a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether served over a bed of fluffy white rice or with some crispy vegetables, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Chinese-themed parties
• Comfort food lovers
• Anyone who enjoys sweet and savory flavors

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Orange Chicken

Here’s why Chinese Orange Chicken will become your go-to favorite:

• Crispy Chicken: The chicken is battered and fried to a crispy perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite.
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce: The orange sauce is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with a hint of garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make, taking less than an hour to prepare from start to finish.
• Restaurant-Style at Home: Skip the takeout and make this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or spice level of the sauce to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chinese Orange Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Extra orange zest

Ingredient Highlights

• Boneless Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken.
• Cornstarch: The cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken when fried, giving it that signature crispy texture.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds vibrant flavor and freshness to the sauce, making it taste homemade and bright.
• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty, umami depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: The rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity that helps to balance the sweetness and cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
• Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients bring a warm, aromatic element to the sauce, enhancing the depth of flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty flavor that makes the sauce even more fragrant and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chinese Orange Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and cold water, and stir until the batter is smooth.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, making sure each piece is fully coated.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep and reach 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
4. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Orange Sauce:

5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce comes to a simmer, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan and stir. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
7. Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes to taste. This adds a gentle spice that complements the sweetness of the orange sauce.

Combine and Serve:

8. Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is thickened, toss the crispy chicken pieces in the orange sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the sticky, flavorful sauce.
9. Serve: Serve the Chinese Orange Chicken immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra orange zest if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

How to Serve Chinese Orange Chicken

Chinese Orange Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious orange sauce.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
• As a Party Dish: Serve this dish in small portions as part of a larger Chinese-inspired buffet or party spread.
• For a Quick Weeknight Meal: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Additional Tips for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:

• Cold Water for the Batter: Using cold water for the batter ensures a crispier coating when the chicken is fried.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying the chicken to ensure each piece gets crispy and evenly cooked.
• Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: You can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop before tossing with the chicken.
• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double fry the chicken for extra crispiness—fry the chicken pieces once, then let them rest for a few minutes and fry again until golden and crunchy.
• Serve Immediately: For the crispiest chicken, serve the dish immediately after tossing it in the sauce. If the chicken sits too long, it may lose its crunch.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chinese Orange Chicken:

• Mango Orange Chicken: Add pureed mango to the orange sauce for a tropical twist.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Cashew Orange Chicken: Add roasted cashews to the dish for a crunchy and nutty flavor.
• Chicken with Broccoli: Toss the fried chicken with blanched broccoli for a healthier take on the dish.
• Orange Tofu: Replace the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version of this dish.
• Lemon Chicken: Substitute fresh lemon juice and zest for the orange juice for a tangy lemon twist.
• Orange Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and savory combination.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Mix orange juice with a bit of ketchup and vinegar for a sweeter, tangier sauce.
• Crispy Orange Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for chicken, following the same method for frying and coating in the sauce.
• Baked Orange Chicken: Skip the frying step and bake the chicken pieces for a lighter version of the dish.

Freezing and Storage for Chinese Orange Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken pieces (before adding the sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven and toss with the freshly made orange sauce.
• Storage: Leftover Chinese Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment for Chinese Orange Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chinese Orange Chicken easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet helps evenly fry the chicken and cook the sauce.
• Slotted Spoon: A slotted spoon is essential for removing the chicken from the oil without excess grease.
• Thermometer: A thermometer will ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying, ensuring crispy chicken without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Orange Chicken

1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the batter and sauce.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking.
3. Can I make the sauce spicier?
   Absolutely! You can increase the red pepper flakes or add chili paste for more heat.
4. Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?
   Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like lemon or pineapple for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Conclusion

Chinese Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy right to your plate. The crispy, golden chicken is coated in a luscious, citrusy orange sauce that’s both bold and refreshing. This dish is a crowd-pleaser whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it up at a party to wow your guests.

With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home. The crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the orange sauce brings that irresistible tangy sweetness that makes this dish so special. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete, flavorful meal.

Chinese Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining others, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor!

I’d love to see how your Chinese Orange Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!