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Orange Chicken Recipe

Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The sauce blends orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce for a rich, flavorful glaze that’s irresistible. It's often served with steamed rice and makes a great weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Equipment

  • Frying Pan or Wok
  • Large Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Paper Towels
  • Serving Plate

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken:
  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water and stir until the batter forms a smooth consistency.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is coated well.
Fry the Chicken:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the oil, a few pieces at a time. Fry for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain.
Make the Sauce:
  1. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil (if using) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  2. Pour in the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine.
  3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
  1. Once the sauce has thickened, gently toss the fried chicken in the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Serve your homemade orange chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal!

Notes

For an even crispier texture, you can double fry the chicken pieces. Fry them once, let them rest for a minute, and then fry them again for an extra crunch. You can also add red pepper flakes or chili paste for a spicy kick, if desired. Adjust the sugar level in the sauce to suit your sweetness preference.