This unbelievably easy orange chicken recipe will have you saying goodbye to those little orange chicken take-out cartons! In just 5 simple steps, you will have a homemade orange chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce!
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Like many Americans, My family LOVES Chinese food. Who doesn’t? All the different flavors and textures are so good. But now, with just a few ingredients, you can make homemade orange chicken right at home. Most dishes you see at your local Chinese takeout are actually pretty easy to make and will be a bit healthier.
With this recipe, I will show you how to make orange chicken sauce, how to make orange chicken, and some meat substitutes will give you vegetarian options.
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines crispy battered chicken pieces with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. The chicken is typically deep-fried to achieve a crunchy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The sauce, made with fresh orange juice, provides a vibrant citrus flavor that balances the savory and sweet elements of the dish.
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This post is all about homemade orange chicken.
easy orange chicken Ingredients
Chicken: The star of the dish, chicken provides a protein-rich base and a juicy texture when cooked correctly.
Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before frying creates a crisp and golden exterior.
Orange juice: The main flavor component, fresh orange juice adds a tangy and refreshing taste that complements the savory chicken.
Soy sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of umami to the sauce.
Sugar: Balances the tartness of the orange juice and enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Serving Homemade Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is typically served over a bed of cooked white rice, which helps to balance the flavors and soak up the delicious sauce.
Here are a few other accompaniments:
- Fried Rice
- Steamed Veggies
- Bed of Mixed Greens
Storing & Leftover
To Store: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
is orange chicken healthy?
I have always thought that whenever you cook your own meals versus eating take-out, they become a bit healthier than when you go out to eat.
Here are the estimated nutrition values for this recipe:
Calories: 350-400
Total Fat: 12-15g
Saturated Fat: 2-3g
Cholesterol: 70-80mg
Sodium: 700-800mg
Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugar: 15-20g
Protein: 25-30g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and cooking methods.
healthy orange chicken Variations
Orange Shrimp: For a healthier pescatarian option, substitute shrimp for chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Orange Cauliflower: For a healthier vegetarian option, substitute cauliflower florets for the chicken and follow the same preparation steps.
Orange Tofu: Swap out the chicken for tofu cubes and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Orange Chicken
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and orange juice according to your preference.
- Garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds, green onions, or orange zest for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
- For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry. 1 to 2 ratio of cornstarch to water = 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
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Easy Homemade Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Duct Oven or Deep Fryer
- Large Sauce Pan
Ingredients
Chicken Mix
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Orange Chicken Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice from approximately 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Green onions sliced (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
Making the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic and sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them in the garlic and sesame oil mixture until evenly coated.
- If you have time, Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Add eggs to marinated chicken and toss until evenly coated. Add cornstarch mix and toss again until evenly coated.
- In a large, duct oven or deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F for deep frying. Working in batches, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Orange Sauce
- In the meantime, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan, combine garlic, ginger, orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens. Add a tsp of cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistancy.
- Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, toss the chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
- And enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry. 1 to 2 ratio of cornstarch to water = 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch to achieve a crispy texture.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less sugar and orange juice according to your preference.
- Garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds, green onions, or orange zest for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
- Double frying the chicken creates an extra crispy texture.
Sheenia Denae | Lifestyle Blogger says
I love orange chicken, especially when it’s homemade! Thanks for sharing.