Welcome to a flavor journey of Crispy Orange Chicken, where every bite is a burst of zesty delight! If you love Chinese-inspired dishes, this crispy, tangy, and juicy chicken will be your next kitchen endeavor. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a special treat for guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to prepare the star of the show, Crispy Orange Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Equipments
To make the Crispy Orange Chicken, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tong or slotted spoon
- Zester
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. In two separate bowls, have the flour mixed with cornstarch in one, and beaten eggs in another. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then in the egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Return it to the flour mixture for a final coat. This double-dipping will give the chicken its crispy texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Pieces
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Fry each batch for about 6-8 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Orange Sauce
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, grated orange zest, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir these ingredients over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the fried chicken pieces with the orange sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the tangy flavors of the orange sauce, enhancing every bite.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken
Serve the Crispy Orange Chicken immediately on a warm plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for an extra touch of flavor and crunch. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For best results, make sure that your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken pieces to fry. This ensures that the chicken becomes crispy rather than soggy. Additionally, use fresh orange juice and zest, as this significantly elevates the flavor, providing a fresh and vibrant citrus punch.
Boost Protein Version: The High-Protein Spin on Crispy Orange Chicken
Looking to pack some extra protein into your meal? Consider swapping the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs, known for their rich taste and additional protein content. You can also incorporate or serve alongside a high-protein grain, such as quinoa or even edamame, to ramp up the nutritional benefits of this flavorful dish.
Low Carb Delight: Tweak the Crispy Orange Chicken for Keto
For a low-carb version of this dish, substitute traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour and replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice for serving. These simple swaps allow you to enjoy this crispy delight without the guilt of high carbs, making it suitable for keto or low-carb diets.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store the crispy orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, use an oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness, or a microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend ensuring it’s suitable for frying.
- What is the best oil for frying? Use an oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for frying the chicken.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Certainly! You can make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it, warming it up before use.
- Is it possible to use other citrus fruits? Absolutely, experimenting with lemon or lime can add a different citrus twist!
- Can I bake the chicken instead? Yes, for a healthier option, bake the coated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Invite to Share and Enjoy the Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe!
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Crispy Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- all-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- eggs
- orange juice
- soy sauce
- sugar
- white vinegar
- grated orange zest
- garlic
- freshly grated ginger
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Steps
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper. In two separate bowls, have the flour mixed with cornstarch in one, and beaten eggs in another. Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then in the egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Return it to the flour mixture for a final coat. This double-dipping will give the chicken its crispy texture.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Fry each batch for about 6-8 minutes or until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, grated orange zest, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Stir these ingredients over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the fried chicken pieces with the orange sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the tangy flavors of the orange sauce, enhancing every bite.