Craving crispy, tangy orange chicken? try this irresistible recipe with precise measurements!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of a classic Chinese dish, orange chicken, with our meticulously measured recipe. This step-by-step guide will empower you to recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

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 ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice (from about 3 oranges)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, sesame oil, orange zest, ginger, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Dip the chicken pieces into the breading mixture, turning to coat evenly.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

5. Toss in the Orange Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfection:

• Use fresh orange juice: For the most vibrant flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, but avoid overcooking as it will become tough.
• Adjust the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more honey or rice vinegar to taste.
• Serve with your favorite sides: Pair the orange chicken with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice to the orange sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken after tossing it in the orange sauce.

Healthier Options:

• Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Whole-Wheat Orange Chicken: Use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier breading.
• Reduced-Sodium Orange Chicken: Use low-sodium soy sauce or substitute coconut aminos for a lower-sodium version of the sauce.

The Final Verdict:

This orange chicken recipe with measurements is a culinary triumph that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, combined with the crispy chicken and fluffy rice, makes it an unforgettable dish that will impress your family and friends.

What You Need to Learn

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

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

Q: What is the best way to reheat the orange chicken?
A: To reheat the orange chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.