Asian Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy, tender chicken pieces with a zesty and sweet orange sauce, resulting in a burst of flavor in every bite. This homemade version of a takeout classic is easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your cravings for Chinese cuisine at home. The vibrant sauce, made with freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger, clings to the crispy chicken, creating a deliciously sticky and aromatic meal. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy your Asian Orange Chicken, a deliciously tangy and sweet meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
