You’re just 20 minutes away from a delicious orange chicken dish with a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and a sweet and tangy orange sauce. To get started, you’ll need chicken thighs, orange juice, garlic, honey, and a few pantry staples. Simply marinate the chicken, fry it to crisps, and whip up the orange sauce using a mixture of juices and spices. With some easy-to-follow steps and a few helpful tips, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in no time. Want to perfect your orange chicken game and discover some great serving ideas?
Key Takeaways
- Mix chicken with salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, and egg for a crispy exterior and juicy interior in just 20 minutes.
- Fry chicken in hot oil in small batches until crispy and golden, then drain excess oil.
- Simmer orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and honey to create a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch and adjust garlic and orange zest to taste for the best flavor.
- Serve crispy orange chicken with steamed broccoli, noodles, or fried rice for a quick and delicious meal.
Introduction
When you want a tasty and quick meal, orange chicken is a great choice. It’s a Chinese-American dish with crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce that’s super yummy. Here’s why it’s so good:
- Orange chicken has crispy chicken outside and juicy inside.
- The orange sauce is sweet and tangy, making it delicious.
- You make the chicken by coating it in a mix of salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, and egg, then frying it till it’s golden brown.
- The orange sauce is made with orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and honey for a great flavor combo.
Orange chicken is loved by people of all ages because of its tasty flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make tasty orange chicken:
1. Chicken
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2. Marinade
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 beaten egg
3. Orange Sauce
– 1 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Don’t forget some oil for frying the chicken.
Get all these ingredients ready before you cook.
Good ingredients make yummy orange chicken.
Instructions
Now that you have all the stuff you need, let’s make yummy orange chicken. Here’s how to coat the chicken and cook it just right:
- Mix salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, and egg in a bowl.
- Dip the chicken in the mixture to cover it all over.
- Make sure each piece is coated well for a crispy outside.
Next, cook the chicken like this:
- Cut the chicken into small pieces after marinating.
- Heat some oil in a pan for frying.
- Put the chicken in the hot oil and cook until crispy and brown.
- Adjust the heat to avoid burning.
- Fry in small batches for the perfect crunch.
Step-by-step guide
To make yummy orange chicken, follow these simple steps for a crispy, tasty meal:
- Coat chicken thighs in a mix of salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, and egg.
- Mix orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, honey, and orange zest in a pan for the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce and thicken it with cornstarch.
Tips for making the perfect orange chicken
When you’re making orange chicken, start with fresh stuff like good oranges and soy sauce. These simple changes will make your dish taste better!
- Cook the chicken in small batches for a crispy finish.
- Adjust the garlic and orange zest to your liking.
- Use a thermometer to check if the oil is 350°F for perfect crispiness.
- Add some fresh orange juice to the sauce for extra flavor.
Make sure to coat the chicken well and fry it until it’s crispy and golden.
Follow these tips, and you’ll make the best orange chicken ever!
Serving suggestions
You can put your crispy orange chicken on top of rice or next to colorful stir-fried veggies. These go together really well because the creamy sauce and crunchy chicken taste great with the soft rice and crispy veggies.
Here are some ways to make it even tastier:
- Sprinkle on some green onions and sesame seeds for extra color and crunch.
- Have it with steamed broccoli or carrots for a healthy side.
- Mix it with noodles or fried rice for a more filling meal experience.
Variations and substitutions
Looking to mix things up with your orange chicken recipe? Try these easy swaps and twists:
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time for thickness.
- Swap orange with lemon or lime juice for a different taste. Lemon = brighter, more acidic. Lime = hint of sweetness.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits for unique flavors. Add more garlic or orange zest to taste.
- Make the recipe your own by trying new things. Cooking is flexible, so get creative and adjust as you like.
Have fun creating a one-of-a-kind orange chicken dish that fits your taste preferences!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered this orange chicken recipe, get ready to impress your family and friends with a tasty dish.
Here’s why this recipe is awesome:
- Quick and easy: You can make this yummy meal in just 20 minutes, great for rushed nights or unexpected guests.
- Tasty and familiar: This dish gives you the best of both worlds and crunchy chicken with zesty orange sauce, a perfect combo.
- Change it up: Try different citrus fruits, adjust the garlic amount, and pick your favorite sides. The options are endless!
Get cooking confidently and make everyone happy with this classic yet exciting dish!
