Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of sweet orange and savory chicken. It is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This recipe is simple to follow and delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. The crispy texture pairs wonderfully with the tangy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 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)
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add cold water to the mixture until it forms a smooth batter. Coat each piece of chicken in the batter.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with water, and then stir it into the sauce. Cook until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crispy chicken with the orange sauce. If desired, add sesame oil for extra flavor. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken
Crispy Orange Chicken tastes best when served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. You can serve it over steamed rice or alongside fried rice. Add some steamed vegetables or a simple side salad to complete the meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Crispy Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the Crispy Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a hot frying pan for a few minutes to retain its crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Tips to Make Crispy Orange Chicken
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; work in batches for even cooking.
- For a thicker sauce, adjust the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to your preference.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition.
Variation (if any)
You can adjust the flavor of the sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or use honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness. For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it by placing it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
2. How can I make this dish less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or replace it with a sugar substitute.
3. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before combining it with the chicken.
Crispy Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines sweet orange flavors with crispy chicken, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add cold water until it forms a smooth batter. Coat each piece of chicken in the batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Carefully add the battered chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine crispy chicken with the orange sauce, adding sesame oil if desired. Toss until well coated.
- Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken hot, over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
Ensure the oil is hot enough for crispy texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
