Chinese Orange Chicken Orange is a delightful dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant orange glaze with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This dish captures the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine, making it a perfect choice for any dinner table. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich flavor profile, making every bite a joyful celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First, it delivers an irresistible combination of sweet and sour flavors that make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Second, the crispy texture of the chicken contrasts perfectly with the sticky orange glaze, creating a delightful eating experience. Third, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy orange chicken meal for busy weeknights. Additionally, it can be paired with rice or noodles, perfect for satisfying those carb cravings. Lastly, the dish is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, it’s no wonder orange chicken is so popular!
Ingredients for Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
Gather these items:
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken Orange Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and ensure they are well-covered.
- Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan until hot, add chicken pieces, and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Add the crispy chicken back into the sauce, toss to coat, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
Keep these in mind:
- For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken pieces by letting them rest for a few minutes before frying them again.
- Using fresh orange juice will give your sauce a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice.
- Don’t skip the ginger and garlic; they add depth to the sauce.
- Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding chicken; this prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Best Ways to Serve Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
This crispy orange chicken dish is best served hot, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it an excellent choice for any Chinese takeout orange chicken experience. You can also serve it alongside sautéed broccoli for a nutritious twist.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
To store leftovers, place the orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its crispy texture, adding a splash of water to the pan to create steam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Orange Chicken Orange
What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Orange Chicken Orange?
The secret lies in the frying technique; ensure the oil is hot enough to create that perfect crispy texture. Also, the balance of sweet and sour in the sauce is crucial for authentic flavor.
Can I make Chinese Orange Chicken Orange ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. However, for the best texture, fry the chicken just before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Orange Chicken Orange?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough. Also, ensure the cornstarch coating is even to achieve maximum crispiness.
Variations of Chinese Orange Chicken Orange You Can Try
For those looking for alternatives, consider making mandarin orange chicken by adding mandarin segments to the sauce. You can also try a sweet and sour orange chicken version by incorporating pineapple chunks. For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it, or create a healthy orange chicken variation by using grilled chicken and a lighter sauce.
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies. If you’re interested in healthy options, consider Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa.
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Chinese Orange Chicken Orange: 7 Irresistible Secrets
A delightful dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant orange glaze with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
Instructions
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch and ensure they are well-covered.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan until hot, add chicken pieces, and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Add the crispy chicken back into the sauce, toss to coat, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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