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Orange Chicken

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Orange Chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy, citrusy orange sauce. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, featuring fried chicken coated in a flavorful sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coat.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat, then pour in the sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce.
  6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a more wholesome dish, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the sauce.For extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the sauce mixture.If you prefer juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts.For a gluten-free option, swap the flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/orange-chicken/