Hello, food enthusiasts! If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and savory with a hint of spice, this Easy Orange Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. A delightful combination of crispy chicken bites coated in a zesty orange sauce, this dish is sure to rival your favorite takeout! Let’s dive into the recipe and bring restaurant-quality orange chicken to your home kitchen.
Introduction
Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that has gained popularity for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Originating as an adaptation of Chinese-American cuisine, this dish features crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, slightly sweet orange sauce that’s infused with hints of ginger, garlic, and chili. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this homemade version delivers bold flavors and crispy perfection every time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 egg whites, whisked
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (1.5 lbs.)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice plus 2 tablespoons for mixing with cornstarch
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (sambal oelek; adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1–2 pinches red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Orange slices for garnish
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
How to Make Easy Orange Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly. Set aside while preparing the oil for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about an inch of vegetable or canola oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the coated chicken in batches. Ensure the pieces are in a single layer with enough space between them to cook evenly. Fry until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan or skillet, whisk together 1 cup of orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, chili paste, and garlic powder. Heat over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring every piece is generously covered in the flavorful sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken with green onions, orange zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a touch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
- Frying Tips: For evenly cooked and crispy chicken, fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pot. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili paste and red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add more chili paste or a dash of sriracha.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh orange juice and orange zest for the most vibrant, zesty flavor in the sauce.
- Crispier Chicken: Double-fry the chicken pieces for an extra crispy texture.
Cooking Tips
- Substitutions: If rice vinegar isn’t available, substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for a similar tangy taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites for a plant-based version.
- Sauce Texture: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or additional orange juice.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Easy Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles for a well-rounded meal. Add a side of steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or bok choy for a boost of greens. Garnish with fresh orange slices and sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Potassium: 550mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 40%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 8%
This dish offers a great balance of protein, carbs, and vibrant flavors while remaining a satisfying and indulgent treat.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken separate, if possible, to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of orange juice or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Repurposing Leftovers: Use leftover orange chicken in wraps, salads, or even as a topping for fried rice for a quick and flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs after dipping in the egg mixture and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What type of chili paste works best?
Sambal oelek is the preferred chili paste for this recipe, but you can also use gochujang or sriracha for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and toss with freshly fried chicken before serving for the best taste and texture.
Related Recipes
Explore these delicious recipes that pair well with Easy Orange Chicken or share similar flavors:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Spicy Orange Glazed Salmon
Conclusion
This Easy Orange Chicken recipe delivers the perfect combination of crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this homemade version is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy every flavorful bite!