Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6 people
Orange Chicken is one of my favorite takeout dishes! This homemade version is as good, if not better! Crispy pieces of chicken tossed and coated in a sweet and lightly spicy orange sauce. Serve this over hot steamed rice for a simple dinner perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 egg
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Canola Oil for frying
2 teaspoons sesame oil
⅓ c. cornstarch
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 ½ teaspoons fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
⅓ c. sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon canola oil
⅓ c. rice wine vinegar, or dry sherry
⅓ c. chicken broth
1 ½ teaspoons minced ginger
pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
Garnish:
orange slices
sliced green onions
How to make Orange Chicken
Step 1: In a small deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 to 2 inches of canola oil to 375 degrees F.
Step 2: Place the sesame oil, egg, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and ⅓ c. cornstarch in a large bowl. Mix well until a thin batter forms. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, and allow them to sit for about a couple of minutes.
Step 3: To the hot oil, add the chicken in batches and fry. On a paper towel-lined plate, transfer the chicken.
Sauce:
Step 4: In a bowl, place the orange zest, orange juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp water, ⅓ cup sugar, ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), ⅓ c. chicken broth, and 2 tbsp corn starch. Mix well until blended. Set aside.
Step 5: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tsp canola oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the sauce and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
Step 6: Toss in the chicken until coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Serve the Orange Chicken right away garnished with some sliced green onions and slices of orange. Enjoy over hot steamed rice!
Note:
For this recipe, you can use a skillet with high edges if a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot is not available.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 310 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg