Orange Chicken Recipe
This Orange Chicken recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, coated in a crispy crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also provides a delightful take on classic Asian-inspired cuisine.
Equipment
- 1 knife and cutting board
- 3 mixing bowls
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 large skillet or wok
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- zest of 1 orange
- ⅓ cup sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- as desired sesame seeds optional garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the orange sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
You can adjust the level of sweetness by decreasing the amount of sugar based on your preference.