How To Cook Orange Chicken

If you’re craving a delicious and tangy dish that combines the flavors of citrus and chicken, then orange chicken is the perfect choice for you. This popular Chinese-American dish ticks all the boxes when it comes to a satisfying meal that’s both sweet and savory. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook orange chicken at home.

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Vegetable oil for frying
Sesame seeds for garnish
Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken pieces into a Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for a more intense flavor).
In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create a slurry. Set it aside.
In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden and crispy.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
In the same skillet, pour the remaining marinade and bring it to a simmer.
Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering marinade, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to coat it evenly with the thickened sauce.
Once the chicken is fully coated, remove it from the heat.
Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Your homemade orange chicken is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over steamed rice or alongside some stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The sweet and tangy flavors of the orange sauce combined with the crispy chicken will surely delight your taste buds.

Now that you know how to cook orange chicken, there’s no need to rely on takeout or restaurant versions. Whip up this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Happy cooking!

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FAQ:

What is orange chicken?

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish consisting of crispy chicken pieces that are coated in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. It is a delicious combination of flavors that is loved by many.

What ingredients do I need to make orange chicken?

To make orange chicken, you will need boneless and skinless chicken, cornstarch, flour, eggs, orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and vegetable oil for frying. You can also add green onions and sesame seeds for garnish if desired.

How do I make the chicken crispy?

To achieve a crispy texture, it is important to coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. This creates a light and crispy coating that will remain crisp even after being coated in the sauce.

Can I use a substitute for orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use other citrus juices like tangerine or mandarin. However, keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly. Alternatively, you can use orange marmalade mixed with a small amount of water as a substitute.

Can I make orange chicken vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of orange chicken by substituting tofu or plant-based meat alternatives for the chicken. Simply marinate the tofu or plant-based protein and follow the same cooking method. Use a vegan-friendly orange sauce made with soy sauce and vegetable broth.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

It is important to fry the chicken pieces in hot oil to ensure that they become crispy. Make sure the oil is hot enough, around 350°F (175°C), and avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the desired crispiness.

Can I make orange chicken ahead of time?

While orange chicken is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can make the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Keep the components separate until you are ready to cook. Once ready, fry the chicken, toss it in the sauce, and serve immediately for the best results.

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How To Cook Orange Chicken