Orange Chicken, a beloved classic in the world of Chinese-American cuisine, is a dish that perfectly marries the tangy flavor of citrus with the savory richness of tender chicken. Cooked with a unique blend of sweetness, sourness, and heat, the chicken pieces are lightly battered, deep-fried, and then coated in an incredibly flavorful orange-infused sauce. With the perfect balance of flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone around your dinner table.
Even better, this home-cooked version rivals your favorite takeout, and can be made right in your kitchen, allowing you to control the ingredients and adjust it to your taste preferences.
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, the magic of this Orange Chicken recipe lies in the sauce. The sweet and tangy orange sauce, made with fresh orange juice, brings a delightful citrusy touch to the dish that's both refreshing and tantalizing. The hints of garlic and ginger enhance the overall depth of flavor, and the slight kick from the chili flakes gives it just the right amount of heat. The sauce is thickened to a perfect consistency which clings to each piece of chicken, making every bite an absolute treat.
Secondly, this recipe works because of its flexibility and ease of preparation. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets. Plus, the recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences - you can use less sugar for a less sweet version, add more chili flakes for extra heat, or substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. In addition, the cooking method ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. This homemade Orange Chicken will certainly leave you feeling satisfied, and it may just become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
Chicken - boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will do the trick. These are great as they soak up flavors well and cook quickly. If you don't have chicken, tofu could be a good substitute for a vegetarian version.
Oranges - This will give our sauce the fresh, citrusy punch. If fresh oranges are not available, you can use orange juice from the store, but remember that the fresh zest is hard to replace.
Soy Sauce - It adds the savory flavor and depth to the dish. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free version.
Garlic - Adds an aromatic touch to our orange chicken. If fresh garlic is not available, you can use garlic powder.
Cornstarch - This is used to thicken the sauce and to give the chicken a crispy coating. If not available, flour could work but will not provide the same crispiness.
Tips
- Always use fresh oranges if possible for a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
- Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
- When frying the chicken, do not crowd the pan as this can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Taste your sauce before adding the cooked chicken to adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.
- Be sure to keep stirring your sauce while it thickens to avoid it getting burnt at the bottom of the pan.
How to Serve
Orange chicken can be a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of sides. The tangy and savory flavors of the dish pair perfectly with plain white rice, allowing the vibrant orange sauce to shine. The addition of steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers can add a healthy touch and a bit of crunch to the meal.
- For a more creative approach, you can serve orange chicken in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, providing a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the saucy chicken.
- Alternatively, orange chicken could be used as a filling for tacos or burritos, adding a unique Asian twist to these Mexican classics.
- For a fusion twist, try using it as a topping on a pizza base with some mozzarella cheese.
Similar Recipes
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Zest and juice from 2 large oranges
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the orange zest, orange juice, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well.
- Once the sauce starts to bubble, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until the chicken is well coated.
- Serve hot with your chosen sides.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always use fresh oranges if possible for a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
- Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure even cooking.
- When frying the chicken, do not crowd the pan as this can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
- Taste your sauce before adding the cooked chicken to adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.
- Be sure to keep stirring your sauce while it thickens to avoid it getting burnt at the bottom of the pan.