Taste of the orient at home: how to make mouthwatering orange chicken with orange marmalade

Craving the tantalizing flavors of Orange Chicken without the hassle of takeout? This delectable recipe will guide you through the art of creating this beloved dish using the sweet and tangy magic of orange marmalade.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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

For the Orange Marmalade Sauce:

• 1 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then roll them in the cornstarch mixture.

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Orange Marmalade Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground ginger, garlic powder, and orange zest (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the orange marmalade sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or orange slices. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken

• Use Fresh Orange Marmalade: Freshly made orange marmalade will give your sauce the most vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh marmalade, you can use a high-quality store-bought brand.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Frying the chicken for too long will make it tough. Cook it until it’s just golden brown and cooked through.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sauce should be sweet and tangy, but you can adjust the proportions of orange marmalade, soy sauce, and brown sugar to suit your preferences.
• Serve with Your Favorite Sides: Orange chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Orange Chicken Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the orange marmalade sauce for a spicy kick.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before frying for a nutty flavor.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Replace half of the orange marmalade with honey for a sweeter sauce.

Healthier Orange Chicken

• Use Baked Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Reduce the Sugar: Use a sugar-free or low-sugar orange marmalade to reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Stir-fry some chopped broccoli or carrots into the orange marmalade sauce for added nutrients.

Orange Chicken Alternatives

• Lemon Chicken: Use lemon marmalade instead of orange marmalade for a tangy twist.
• Pineapple Chicken: Replace the orange marmalade with pineapple jam for a tropical flavor.
• Teriyaki Chicken: Make a teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey for a savory and sweet dish.

Popular Questions

1. What is the best way to store orange chicken?
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I use frozen chicken to make orange chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

3. How do I make the orange marmalade sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce while simmering.