Orange chicken craving? get crispy, flavorful perfection with our easy recipe for 2

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our delectable orange chicken recipe, meticulously crafted for two. This culinary masterpiece blends the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, leaving your taste buds in a state of blissful indulgence.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, orange zest, and ground ginger. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the Orange Sauce: Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice or your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped green onions for a vibrant touch.

Tips:

• For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken with the cornstarch mixture before frying.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute with pineapple juice or apple juice.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade and sauce for an extra layer of heat.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter sauce.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Substitute teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce in the marinade and sauce for a more savory flavor.

Benefits of Orange Chicken

Beyond its tantalizing taste, orange chicken offers several nutritional benefits:

• High in Protein: Chicken is a rich source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Oranges provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, crucial for overall health.
• Antioxidant Properties: The orange zest and ginger in the sauce contain antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

FAQ

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

Q: How long can I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.

Q: What side dishes go well with orange chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, and egg rolls are all great side dishes to serve with orange chicken.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use lean chicken breasts, brown rice instead of white rice, and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.