Orange Chicken has a special place in my heart, and I bet it’s the same for many of you! This delightful dish, with its sweet and tangy flavor, is a staple in Chinese cuisine and has become a beloved favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen filled with the warm, zesty aroma, and everyone rushed to the table with huge smiles. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that it’s now a go-to dish for gatherings, bringing everyone together for a delicious meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How to Prepare Orange Chicken
Preparing Orange Chicken is easier than you might think, and I’m so excited to share this simple process with you! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, coat the diced chicken breast in cornstarch, making sure each piece is well-covered. This will give it that lovely crispy texture we all crave!
- Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You’ll want it hot enough for frying, but not smoking.
- Once the oil is ready, carefully add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and combine the fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sauce thicken for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll love how fragrant it becomes!
- Finally, add the crispy chicken back into the pan, tossing it well to coat in that luscious sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your homemade Orange Chicken hot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick dish that you can whip up in about 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is simply irresistible, making it a favorite for all ages.
- With crispy chicken coated in a delicious sauce, it’s a comforting meal that feels special.
- This recipe is versatile; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress family and friends at any gathering!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Orange Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skimp on the cornstarch coating; it’s what gives the chicken that fabulous crunch! If you like it a bit sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste—I often add a touch more for a richer flavor. Also, when frying, make sure the oil is hot enough but not smoking; this helps achieve that golden crispy texture without the chicken getting soggy. Lastly, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving to keep it crunchy. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful Orange Chicken is estimated to contain about 350 calories, with 15g of fat and 25g of protein. You’ll also find 30g of carbohydrates, including 10g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients used, so feel free to adjust according to your preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making the perfect Orange Chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I often hear:
Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use thighs for a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a pan over low heat to keep the chicken crispy. Microwave can make it soggy, so avoid that if you can!
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Just leave them out if you prefer it milder!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Orange Chicken, the options are endless! I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or steaming hot noodles for a complete meal. You can also toss in some colorful veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to add a nutritious crunch. Trust me, it makes every bite even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious Orange Chicken leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken crispy. Just give it a gentle toss in the pan until warmed through—no sogginess here!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the health benefits of oranges, visit Healthline.
To learn more about the nutritional value of chicken, you can refer to NCBI.
Print
Orange Chicken: 7 Irresistible Secrets to Perfection
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and tangy dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a flavorful orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and coat it in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: orange chicken, chicken recipes, Chinese food