Asian orange chicken is a popular dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This homemade version is easy to make and tastes even better than takeout. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make Asian orange chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Asian Orange Chicken
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the orange sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
How to Make Asian Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten eggs, then coat it in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the Orange Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the sesame oil.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the Asian Orange Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot, optionally over steamed rice or vegetables.
About the Main Ingredients
Understanding the main ingredients in this Asian orange chicken recipe can help you appreciate the flavors and textures they bring to the dish.
Chicken: Chicken breasts are used in this recipe for their lean meat and mild flavor. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures that it cooks quickly and evenly.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to coat the chicken before frying, creating a crispy outer layer. It also helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
Eggs: Beating eggs and dipping the chicken in them before coating with cornstarch helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken and creates a crispy crust when fried.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce. Look for oranges that are ripe and juicy for the best flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce. It also provides a rich, dark color.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a mild acidity to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the orange juice and honey.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness to the sauce and helps balance the flavors. It also helps create a thick, sticky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Garlic and Ginger: Garlic and ginger add depth of flavor and aromatic notes to the sauce. Freshly grated ginger provides a bright, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce. It should be used sparingly, as it is quite potent.
This homemade Asian orange chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its crispy chicken and flavorful orange sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a dinner party with friends, this dish is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic Asian dish?
