Indulge in zesty flavors: our award-winning orange chicken recipe will steal the show
What To Know
- Cook the chicken and sauce together for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is thickened.
- Marinating the chicken in the orange sauce for a few hours before cooking will enhance the flavor.
- Reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our delectable Orange Chicken Recipe Recipe, where the vibrant tang of oranges harmoniously blends with the savory notes of soy sauce and ginger. This culinary masterpiece is a symphony of sweet and savory, promising to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mixture until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok 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 skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the saucepan with the orange sauce.
- Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
5. Cook Together:
- Cook the chicken and sauce together for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is thickened.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:
- Use fresh oranges: Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor.
- Marinade the chicken: Marinating the chicken in the orange sauce for a few hours before cooking will enhance the flavor.
- Cook the chicken until crispy: Crispy chicken adds a delightful texture to the dish.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar or red pepper flakes.
- Serve with your favorite sides: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Variations on the Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Orange Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option.
- Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the dish.
- Orange Chicken with Cashews: Add toasted cashews for a nutty crunch.
- Orange Chicken with Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist.
How to Store Orange Chicken:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Health Benefits of Orange Chicken:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and skin health.
- Contains Antioxidants: Oranges contain antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Good Source of Fiber: Orange chicken contains fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps keep you feeling full.
“Wrap-Up”: A Sweet and Savory Culinary Delight
Our Orange Chicken Recipe Recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as an appetizer, this dish is sure to impress. With its symphony of sweet and savory flavors, this orange chicken recipe is the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
3. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. How do I make the orange chicken gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
5. 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.