Meal prep revolution: conquer cravings with our quick and easy orange chicken recipe!

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on weekdays, only to end up with mediocre meals? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to orange chicken recipe meal prep. This culinary masterpiece will transform your mealtime routine, saving you precious time while delivering delicious, restaurant-quality dinners all week long.

The Essence of Orange Chicken

Orange chicken, a beloved Chinese-American dish, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior, tender interior, and a tantalizing orange sauce. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll master the art of creating this culinary delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients for a Five-Star Orange Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

Step-by-Step Orange Chicken Recipe Meal Prep

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, rice flour, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
• Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 15 minutes. This will help the coating adhere.

2. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Add the fried chicken back to the skillet and pour the orange sauce over it.
• Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.

5. Meal Prep:

• Divide the orange chicken into individual meal prep containers.
• You can either serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations and Tips

• For a spicier orange chicken, add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice instead.
• To make the orange chicken ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce and combine them.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and color.
• Pair the orange chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

One serving of orange chicken contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 15 grams

The Finishing Touch: Wrapping Up Your Orange Chicken Meal Prep

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary prowess to create restaurant-quality orange chicken in the comfort of your own kitchen. By following these steps and tips, you’ll not only save precious time during the week but also indulge in a delicious, satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before coating and frying.

2. How long can I store the orange chicken in the refrigerator?

You can store the orange chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the orange chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the orange chicken for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.