Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Crispy Orange Chicken! If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the tangy flavors of orange with crispy chicken for a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or simply craving some homemade Chinese takeout, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps required to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade, you will need:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
For the orange sauce, gather these ingredients:
– 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of orange zest
– 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
Steps
1. Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the orange sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Set aside.
4. Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan, ensuring each piece is separated. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and crispy.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. In the same pan, pour the prepared orange sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss it with the orange sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this Crispy Orange Chicken recipe to suit your preferences:
– For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply coat the marinated chicken with a light layer of cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy.
– If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan. Follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Crispy Orange Chicken turns out perfectly:
– Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled orange juice, as it may contain additives.
– To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the chicken is patted dry before marinating and frying.
– For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add additional orange zest to the sauce.
– If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of honey in the orange sauce.
– Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of orange and the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken. With a tangy and slightly sweet orange sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. So gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a homemade Chinese takeout experience in the comfort of your own kitchen!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be drier than chicken thighs, so be careful not to overcook it.
2. Can I make the orange sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat it on the stovetop before tossing it with the crispy chicken.
3. Can I freeze the Crispy Orange Chicken?
While it’s best to enjoy the Crispy Orange Chicken immediately for optimal texture, you can freeze any leftovers. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a hot pan until crispy.
Crispy Orange Chicken 🍊🍗✨
A delightful Chinese-inspired dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy orange sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
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1/4 cup honey
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1 teaspoon orange zest
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1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Oil for frying
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
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Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Directions
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Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
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Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare the orange sauce. Whisk together orange juice, honey, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set aside.
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Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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In the same pan, pour the prepared orange sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss it with the orange sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
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Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.
