Craving that perfect blend of crispy, tangy, and sweet? Get ready to transform your home cooking with this incredibly easy Orange Chicken recipe that'll make you forget about takeout forever! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe will have you serving up restaurant-quality orange chicken that'll impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Beat the egg in a separate shallow dish. Dice the chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to partially submerge the chicken pieces.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried chicken pieces and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk together and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with optional green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oil is precisely at 350°F for the crispiest chicken coating. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Batch Frying Matters: Don't overcrowd the pan! Fry chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even, crispy cooking.
- Cornstarch Secret: The combination of flour and cornstarch creates an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until it's glossy and slightly thickened - this helps it cling perfectly to the chicken pieces.
- Serve Immediately: Orange chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away for maximum crispiness and flavor.
- Optional Garnish: A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds adds a fresh touch and professional presentation to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
