Are you craving that sweet and tangy orange chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Well, get ready to satisfy that craving right in your own kitchen! This homemade orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
The Secret to Perfect Orange Chicken
The key to amazing orange chicken lies in two things: a crispy exterior and a flavorful, zesty sauce. We’ll achieve both with some simple techniques and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Prepare the chicken: Mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Dip each piece of chicken in the beaten egg, then coat it in the cornstarch mixture.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, orange zest, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Toss the crispy chicken pieces in the warm orange sauce until well coated. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This ensures each piece gets crispy.
- For extra orange flavor, add a few strips of orange peel to the sauce while it simmers.
- Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
This homemade orange chicken is sure to become a family favorite. It’s fresher, healthier, and dare we say, even more delicious than takeout! Plus, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar when you present this restaurant-quality dish to your loved ones.
So next time you’re tempted to order in, give this recipe a try instead. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Happy cooking!