Orange chicken revolution: discover the ultimate recipe with chicken breast for perfect flavor

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken, a beloved dish that combines the sweet and savory notes of orange sauce with tender chicken breast. If you’re looking to recreate this restaurant-quality treat at home, follow our comprehensive guide on how to make orange chicken with chicken breast.

Ingredients

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Chicken:

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

For Serving:

• Orange wedges or slices
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, orange zest, and sesame oil. Set aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

3. Heat the Oil:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

4. Fry the Chicken:

Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Orange Sauce:

Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

6. Return the Chicken:

Add the fried chicken pieces back to the skillet and toss to coat in the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

7. Serve:

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with orange wedges, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become dry and tough. Fry the chicken until it’s just cooked through.
• Make the sauce ahead of time: You can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey to taste.
• Experiment with different vegetables: You can add vegetables to your orange chicken, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds to the orange sauce for extra nutty flavor.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.

Finishing Touches

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Cilantro or basil adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
• Serve with a side of rice: Orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
• Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors.

The Secret to Crispy Orange Chicken

The key to crispy orange chicken is to double-coat the chicken in cornstarch and flour. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior, while the flour helps to bind the cornstarch to the chicken.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and frying.

2. What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar.

3. How do I store leftover orange chicken?

Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.