Satisfy your cravings with half baked harvest’s irresistible orange chicken recipe

Indulge in a culinary adventure with this exceptional orange chicken recipe brought to you by Half Baked Harvest. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Journey

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions for Culinary Perfection

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Create the Orange Sauce: In the same pan, add the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken back to the pan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat evenly and heat through.

5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the green onions over the orange chicken. Serve immediately with rice or noodles of your choice.

Tips for a Culinary Success

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
• Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.

Variations on a Culinary Theme

Sweet and Tangy Orange Chicken

• Add 1/4 cup of honey to the orange sauce for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Serve the chicken with a side of pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Spicy Orange Chicken

• Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Garnish the chicken with chopped jalapeños for an extra fiery touch.

Sesame Orange Chicken

• Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds over the chicken before frying.
• Serve the chicken with a side of sesame noodles for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Summary: A Culinary Masterpiece for Your Table

This orange chicken recipe from Half Baked Harvest is not just a dish; it’s an experience. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, prepare to cook with passion, and enjoy the ultimate orange chicken that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: How do I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe 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. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the fried chicken.