Orange chicken is a beloved dish that brings together crispy chicken pieces and a sweet, tangy orange sauce. This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and spices creates an irresistible glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavorful & Delicious: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes this recipe stand out, satisfying your taste buds with every bite.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that fits any dietary need or preference.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience in the kitchen. Having the right equipment will make preparing your Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe even easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan or wok: Ideal for frying, allowing even heat distribution for perfectly crispy chicken.
- Slotted spoon: Helps drain excess oil after frying, ensuring your chicken stays crispy without being greasy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- 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
For the Orange 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)
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed. Gradually add cold water while stirring until you achieve a smooth batter.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In your frying pan or wok, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about an inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers—this indicates it’s ready for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
In another saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly add the cornstarch-water mixture while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once thickened, add in the crispy chicken pieces to coat them evenly with the sauce. Toss gently until all pieces are well covered.
Now you’re ready to serve your delightful Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe, paired perfectly with steamed rice! Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends!
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes. Serving it right enhances the flavors and makes your meal even more enjoyable.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice complements the sweet and tangy sauce perfectly, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Accompanied by Chow Mein
- Chow Mein noodles provide a great contrast in texture, making for a satisfying meal experience.
Served with a Side Salad
- A light salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the chicken, offering freshness and crunch.
Paired with Vegetables
- Stir-fried or steamed vegetables bring healthy colors to your plate while adding nutrients to your meal.
How to Perfect Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results for your Crispy Orange Chicken, follow these helpful tips.
- Use cold water: Mixing the batter with cold water ensures a crispy coating when fried.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature, keeping your chicken crispy.
- Marinate chicken: Letting chicken sit in soy sauce for 15-30 minutes adds flavor depth before frying.
- Control oil temperature: Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of batter; it should sizzle immediately when ready.
- Double fry for extra crispiness: Frying once, letting it rest, then frying again can enhance crispiness.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your Crispy Orange Chicken right away for the best texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some top picks to consider.
Fried Rice
A classic option, packed with vegetables and protein that complements the orange flavors beautifully.Egg Rolls
Crunchy on the outside and filled with veggies or meat, egg rolls provide a delightful appetizer or side.Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls filled with herbs and shrimp or veggies offer a light contrast to the crispy chicken.Steamed Broccoli
This healthy side adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the dish.Asian Slaw
A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing provides freshness alongside your meal.Quinoa Salad
Quinoa mixed with cucumbers and sesame seeds gives an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with orange chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making crispy orange chicken at home can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong chicken parts: Always choose boneless and skinless chicken breasts for the best texture. Thighs can work, but they may alter the flavor.
- Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for achieving that crispiness. Don’t skip it; it makes a huge difference in texture.
- Not letting the oil heat properly: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Overcooking the sauce: Cook the orange sauce just until it thickens. Overcooking can lead to a burnt taste and ruin the dish’s balance of flavors.
- Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to season your batter and chicken well. A lack of salt and pepper can leave your dish tasting bland.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that this may not keep it crispy.
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Add chicken and sauté until heated through, which helps restore some crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish.
What is the best way to ensure my chicken is crispy?
To achieve crispy chicken, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. Also, allow excess batter to drip off before placing it in the oil.
Can I make this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time but fry them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
How do I customize my Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe?
Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust sweet or tangy elements based on your taste!
Is there a vegetarian version of Crispy Orange Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian alternative that still packs great flavor.
What should I serve with Crispy Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This crispy orange chicken recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as is or tweak it with vegetables, this dish promises satisfaction every time. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe features tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious orange sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish will impress your family and friends alike. Serve it over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies every palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water to form a smooth batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or wok until shimmering. Dip chicken in batter and fry in batches until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In another saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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