Crispy orange chicken without the deep-fry mess: a game-changer for home cooks!

Craving the tantalizing taste of orange chicken without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! This exceptional orange chicken recipe offers a mouthwatering alternative that’s not only healthier but equally satisfying. Join us on a culinary adventure as we guide you step-by-step to create this crispy and flavorful dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

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

For Garnish:

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to coat evenly.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Orange Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked chicken to the orange sauce and stir to coat.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

Serving:

1. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
• Serve the orange chicken over a bed of jasmine rice for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.

Benefits of This Orange Chicken Recipe:

• Healthier alternative to deep-fried orange chicken.
• Crispy and flavorful without the excess oil.
• Easy and convenient to make at home.
• Versatile and can be paired with various sides.

Final Note:

This orange chicken recipe no deep fry is a game-changer for anyone who loves the classic dish but wants a healthier and more convenient option. With its crispy exterior, tangy orange sauce, and customizable flavor profile, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling good about your meal.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cutting it into pieces and coating it with the cornstarch mixture.

2. What can I serve with orange chicken?

Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or egg rolls.

3. How do I store leftover orange chicken?

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free cornstarch and flour.

5. What is a good substitute for orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute pineapple juice or apple juice.

6. How can I make the orange sauce sweeter?

You can add more honey or brown sugar to the orange sauce to make it sweeter.

7. How can I make the orange sauce spicier?

You can add more red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the orange sauce to make it spicier.

8. Can I bake the orange chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the orange chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

9. How do I make the green onion garnish?

Simply slice green onions thinly and sprinkle them over the orange chicken before serving.

10. Can I use any other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.