Crispy Orange Chicken

Crispy Orange Chicken is a flavorful, crispy dish coated in a tangy, sweet, and citrusy orange sauce. It’s a favorite at many Asian restaurants, and the great news is that you can make it right at home with this simple recipe! Here’s how to make it:

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium is best)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp grated ginger (fresh or ground)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp orange zest (for extra flavor)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken:

   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then dredge them in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Set aside.

2. Fry the chicken:

   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of chicken sizzles when added, around 350°F (175°C).
   • Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

3. Make the orange sauce:

   • In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   • Once the sauce starts to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch dissolved in water) to the pan, stirring continuously. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

4. Toss the chicken in the sauce:

   • Add the crispy fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until all the pieces are coated evenly.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy:

This Crispy Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy with a crunchy coating that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. It’s a flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy your craving for takeout, but made fresh at home! Enjoy!