Attention orange chicken lovers: eggless recipe for a crispy, gluten-free extravaganza

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken without the need for eggs! This mouthwatering recipe offers a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will leave you craving for more. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this classic Chinese-American delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 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 brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering orange sauce, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 1 minute.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh orange juice: Fresh orange juice will give your sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Fry it until it’s golden brown and cooked through, but not too long.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, adjust the amount of sugar or soy sauce accordingly.
• Serve immediately: Orange chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately over rice or noodles to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the orange sauce for a bit of heat.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Orange-Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute half of the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce in the orange sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.

Health Benefits

While orange chicken is not considered a health food, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Vitamin C: Orange juice contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• Ginger: Ginger contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Summary:

Elevate your taste buds with this tantalizing orange chicken recipe no egg! With its crispy exterior, tangy orange sauce, and versatile variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress everyone at your table.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating it.

Q: What can I substitute for cornstarch?
A: You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce and fry the chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the fried chicken.

Q: What side dishes go well with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or steamed broccoli.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried chicken, and reduce the amount of sugar and oil in the sauce.