Indulge in the perfection: orange chicken recipe for an unforgettable dinner and dessert treat

Indulge in a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds with this delectable orange chicken recipe dinner, followed by a sweet and satisfying dessert. Our step-by-step guide will empower you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredients for Dessert

For the Chocolate Lava Cakes:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Raspberry Coulis:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions for Orange Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Combine the Sauce and Chicken: Pour the orange sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is evenly coated.

Instructions for Chocolate Lava Cakes

1. Prepare the Lava Cakes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour four 4-ounce ramekins.
2. Make the Lava Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chocolate chips, granulated sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still molten.

Instructions for Raspberry Coulis

1. Make the Raspberry Coulis: In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
2. Strain: Pour the raspberry coulis through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl to remove any seeds.

Assembly

1. Plate the Orange Chicken: Arrange the orange chicken on a serving platter.
2. Serve the Chocolate Lava Cakes: Invert the chocolate lava cakes onto individual serving plates.
3. Drizzle with Raspberry Coulis: Spoon the raspberry coulis over the chocolate lava cakes.

Tips for Success

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.
• Let the chocolate lava cakes rest for a few minutes before inverting them to prevent them from losing their molten center.
• Serve the orange chicken and chocolate lava cakes immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Ending Notes: A Sweet and Savory Symphony

This orange chicken recipe dinner then dessert combination is a culinary masterpiece that will leave you and your guests craving more. The savory and tangy orange chicken paired with the rich and decadent chocolate lava cakes creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook.

Q: How can I make the orange chicken spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the orange sauce.

Q: Can I make the chocolate lava cakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chocolate lava cake batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake the lava cakes according to the instructions.