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Crispy Orange Chicken

Close-up of crispy, glazed Orange Chicken pieces in a black pan, glistening with sauce.
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A homemade version of the popular Chinese-American takeout dish, featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for frying
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is coated.
  4. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  6. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
  7. While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the orange zest.
  9. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
  10. Serve immediately over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice will provide the best flavor.
  • This recipe is a great option for a family meal, similar to what you might find from meal planning services.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipestokeep.com/orange-chicken-recipe/