Step-by-step guide to crispy, flavorful orange chicken: beginner-friendly recipe

Craving that classic Chinese takeout dish without the hassle of ordering in? Our orange chicken recipe easy will guide you through every step to create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite restaurant‘s version. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
5. Combine the Sauce and Chicken: Pour the orange sauce over the fried chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:

• For a crispy coating, double-coat the chicken with the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to taste.
• Serve the orange chicken hot for the best experience.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the orange chicken before serving.
• Honey Walnut Orange Chicken: Add chopped walnuts to the orange sauce for a sweet and crunchy twist.

Healthier Options:

• Use whole-wheat flour or breadcrumbs instead of all-purpose flour.
• Bake the chicken instead of frying it.
• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and honey.
• Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a healthier base.

Orange Chicken: A Versatile Dish

Orange chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Main Course: Serve orange chicken over rice or noodles as a satisfying main course.
• As an Appetizer: Cut the orange chicken into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer or party snack.
• In Salads: Add orange chicken to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful twist.
• In Wraps: Use orange chicken as a filling for wraps or quesadillas.

Key Points:

With our orange chicken recipe easy, you can now recreate this beloved Chinese takeout dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will ensure you create a delicious and satisfying orange chicken that will impress your family and friends.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will be slightly fattier and more flavorful, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Q: Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before adding it to the chicken.

Q: How can I thicken the orange sauce if it’s too thin?
A: You can thicken the orange sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually add the slurry to the orange sauce while stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.