Indulge in a healthier delight: discover the secrets of an unbreaded orange chicken recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken without the hassle of breading! This unbreaded orange chicken recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both satisfying and healthy. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can savor this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (for the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Orange Sauce

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the oil and orange zest to the sauce.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the orange sauce.
2. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

Tips for Unbreaded Orange Chicken

• For extra crispy chicken, double the amount of cornstarch in the marinade.
• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Serve the orange chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the chicken before cooking.

Health Benefits

Unlike breaded orange chicken, this unbreaded version is a healthier alternative. It contains:

• Lean protein from the chicken
• Vitamin C from the orange juice
• Antioxidants from the orange zest
• Reduced calories and fat compared to breaded orange chicken

Wrap-Up

Unleash the vibrant flavors of orange chicken without the added calories and fat of breading. This unbreaded orange chicken recipe is a culinary delight that’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with health benefits. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the tantalizing taste of this culinary masterpiece.

Questions You May Have

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

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables are all great options.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the sauce just before serving.

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

Q: Can I use a different type of citrus juice in the sauce?
A: Yes, you can use lemon juice or grapefruit juice instead of orange juice.

Q: What if I don’t have cornstarch?
A: You can substitute all-purpose flour for cornstarch in the marinade and sauce.