Orange Chicken is a popular dish known for its vibrant flavor profile that combines sweet and tangy orange sauce with crispy, succulent chicken. This recipe brings the beloved takeout favorite right into your kitchen, making it possible to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. The crispy chicken, coated in a luscious orange glaze, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for added heat)
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Orange zest
How to Make Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water to create a batter.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to submerge the chicken pieces.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per batch, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, granulated sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch-water mixture and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Place the fried chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the hot orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of orange zest for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
About the Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their mild flavor and versatility. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces allows for a crispy coating and even cooking.
- Flour and Cornstarch: These ingredients create a crispy coating for the chicken. Flour provides structure, while cornstarch contributes to a light, crunchy texture.
- Egg and Water: The egg-water mixture forms the batter that helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior after frying.
- Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice is the key ingredient for the sweet and tangy sauce. It imparts a bright, citrusy flavor that defines the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness from the orange juice and sugar.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce, creating a harmonious balance with the tangy orange juice and savory soy sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: This ingredient provides acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the sweetness.
- Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce adds depth of flavor with its sweet and slightly spicy notes, complementing the orange sauce.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch mixed with water acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic infuse the sauce with aromatic and zesty flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce for an extra kick.
This Orange Chicken recipe combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a luscious, tangy sauce, making it a delightful meal that’s sure to please any palate. Enjoy preparing and savoring this homemade version of a classic takeout favorite.
