why make this recipe
Orange chicken is a beloved dish for many, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe allows you to recreate that delicious taste at home without any fuss. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this dish always impresses. It’s a budget-friendly option, as it uses simple ingredients and can be made in less than an hour. Plus, the vibrant citrus notes from the orange juice and zest make it feel fresh and exciting.
Making orange chicken from scratch not only tastes better than takeout, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. This means you can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice according to your taste. Homemade meals often bring families together, and sharing a plate of this delightful orange chicken will surely create joyful memories.
how to make Easy Orange Chicken
Making Easy Orange Chicken might sound complicated, but it’s quite simple! Let’s walk through the whole process step by step, from preparation to serving.
Preparation Steps
Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This size will cook quickly and evenly, making it perfect for frying.
Season the Flour: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper. Mixing these ingredients ensures that the chicken will be flavorful.
Dredge the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the seasoned flour. Make sure that each piece is fully covered to create a crispy exterior when fried.
Prepare the Frying Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To check if it’s ready for frying, you can drop a small amount of the seasoned flour into the oil. If it sizzles, you are good to go.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken. Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Make the Orange Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, 0.5 cups of low sodium soy sauce, and 0.5 cups of sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the orange sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken in a couple of minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Let everything simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine Chicken with the Sauce: Once the sauce is thickened and fragrant, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Toss the chicken in the sauce to fully coat each piece. This step ensures that every bite is deliciously infused with the orange flavor.
Garnish: Finally, transfer the coated orange chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.
Ingredients :
- 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1 tbsp green onions (sliced, for garnish)
how to serve Easy Orange Chicken
Serving Easy Orange Chicken is as simple as plating it beautifully. Here are a few suggestions:
- On a Plate: Place a generous serving of the orange chicken on a plate. Make sure to add some extra sauce over the top for a glistening finish.
- With Rice: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce and complement the flavors perfectly.
- With Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, add some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy on the side to add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top for an added pop of flavor and texture.
how to store Easy Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this flavorful dish), storing your Easy Orange Chicken properly will help maintain its taste.
In the Fridge: Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the orange chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stove. If reheating on the stove, add a little water or extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.
tips to make Easy Orange Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh ginger will give your dish the best flavor. Avoid bottled juices if you can, as they can be overly sweet and lack freshness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, add chicken pieces in batches so they cook evenly and don’t steam. This ensures a crispy texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the sugar by half or add a splash of vinegar or lime juice for a tangy twist.
Ensure the Oil is Hot: Make sure the oil is the right temperature before frying. This helps the batter set quickly and prevents oily chicken.
Experiment with Heat: If you want your orange chicken to have a bit of a kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
variation (if any)
This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe is versatile, allowing for various fun twists:
Mango Chicken: Substitute orange juice with mango juice or puree for a tropical flavor.
Coconut Orange Chicken: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a rich and creamy texture.
Spicy Orange Chicken: For those who enjoy heat, add some chili garlic sauce or sriracha into the sauce mix.
Pineapple Orange Chicken: Mix in some chunks of pineapple when adding the chicken to the sauce for a sweet twist.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu, seitan, or cauliflower for a plant-based version of orange chicken. Just follow the same frying or cooking techniques.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cutting and cooking. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly.
2. What side dishes go well with Easy Orange Chicken?
Easy Orange Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of vegetable spring rolls for a fuller meal.
3. How can I make the chicken crispy without frying?
If you want a healthier option, you can bake the coated chicken pieces in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
4. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve it with the fried chicken.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Easy Orange Chicken Recipe! Whether you follow the traditional method or choose to experiment with various twists, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Easy Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A delicious homemade version of a beloved orange chicken dish, balancing sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 1 tbsp green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
- Season the Flour: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour.
- Prepare the Frying Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Add coated chicken pieces in batches and fry until golden brown.
- Make the Orange Sauce: Combine orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry to the sauce and stir until thickened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in ginger, garlic, and orange zest; let simmer.
- Combine Chicken with the Sauce: Toss fried chicken in the thickened sauce.
- Garnish: Serve with sliced green onions on top.
Notes
To add variety, try mango juice for a tropical flavor or experiment with adding pineapple chunks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: orange chicken, easy chicken recipe, homemade orange chicken, Asian cuisine