Say goodbye to soggy orange chicken: dive into our supreme cornstarch recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the beloved orange chicken dish with our meticulously crafted recipe that employs the magic of cornstarch. This easy-to-follow guide will guide you through every step, ensuring a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 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 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

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

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken fries, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Add the chicken to the orange sauce and stir to coat.

5. Simmer and Serve: Continue simmering the chicken in the orange sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Serve over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will provide the best flavor for your orange sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: The chicken should be cooked through but still tender. Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken.
• Thicken the sauce to your desired consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more orange juice or water.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. If you want a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar.

Variations on the Classic Orange Chicken:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory combination.

Healthier Orange Chicken Options:

• Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Whole Wheat Orange Chicken: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content of the dish.

The Science Behind the Orange Chicken Recipe with Cornstarch:

Cornstarch is a thickening agent that helps to create the characteristic thick and glossy sauce of orange chicken. When heated in the presence of liquid, the starch molecules absorb water and swell, forming a gel-like network that traps the liquid. This results in a thick, viscous sauce that coats the chicken and enhances its flavor.

Conclusion:

With this orange chicken recipe with cornstarch, you can recreate the vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of our delicious variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your senses and leave you wanting more.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork, beef, or shrimp.

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: What are some side dishes that go well with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls.