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Orange Chicken Recipe

Orange Chicken Recipe

Foodie Twist
If you’re craving a delicious, homemade version of your favorite takeout meal, look no further than this mouthwatering Orange Chicken Recipe.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or zester
  • Paper towels
  • Baking sheet (optional for oven-crisping)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice about 2 large oranges
  • 2 tbsp orange zest
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional for deeper flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. In another bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  • Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate pan, combine orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  • Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the orange sauce.
  • Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice elevates the flavor much more than store-bought varieties.
  2. Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry the chicken twice if you want it even crunchier.
  3. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve perfect crispness.
  4. Control the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
  5. Preheat Oil Properly: Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at the right temperature before frying.
Keyword Orange Chicken Recipe