The ultimate guide to blackstone orange chicken: crispy, tangy, and unforgettable
What To Know
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
- Substitute the orange juice with chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
- Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or a culinary novice, this recipe will guide you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own backyard.
Embark on a tantalizing culinary journey as we unveil the secrets of crafting delectable orange chicken on your Blackstone griddle. This versatile cooking surface transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Create the Orange Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Heat the Blackstone
Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F).
4. Fry the Chicken
Add a drizzle of oil to the hot griddle and carefully drop in the coated chicken pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Add the Orange Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the griddle. Pour the orange sauce into the empty space and bring to a boil.
6. Combine the Ingredients
Carefully combine the chicken and orange sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the orange chicken and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfection
- For a crispier texture, double-coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture.
- If you don’t have orange zest, use 1 teaspoon of dried orange peel.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar to your taste.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
- Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
Variations
- Sesame Chicken: Omit the orange zest and add 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the orange sauce.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute the orange juice with chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or chili powder to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
The Verdict: A Culinary Masterpiece
With its crispy exterior, flavorful orange sauce, and tender chicken, orange chicken on the Blackstone is a dish that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or a culinary novice, this recipe will guide you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own backyard.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before coating and cooking.
Q: How do I know when the orange chicken is done cooking?
A: The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Cut a piece open to check.
Q: What should I serve with orange chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad are all excellent accompaniments.