Orange Chicken

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Orange Chicken is a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The crispy fried chicken, glazed in a tangy orange sauce, provides a delightful crunch followed by a burst of sweetness from the citrus.

This dish can be easily made at home, making it a great weeknight dinner option. It’s quick, simple, and a total crowd-pleaser! The best part? You can adjust the level of sweetness and spice to suit your taste, adding chili flakes for some heat or a little extra sugar for more sweetness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken pieces in this mixture.
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per batch. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, orange zest, ginger, and chili flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce, coating each piece evenly. Serve hot with rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Origin and History of Orange Chicken:

Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that has become synonymous with American-Chinese cuisine. Though it is often associated with Chinese restaurants, particularly those in the U.S., the dish itself isn’t traditionally Chinese. Its roots trace back to the Chinese-American fusion food that emerged in the mid-20th century as Chinese immigrants adapted traditional dishes for American tastes.

The dish gained widespread popularity in the 1980s when restaurants like Panda Express started serving it as a fast-casual offering. Orange Chicken combines the crispiness of fried chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce made from oranges, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. This contrast of flavors is what makes Orange Chicken so delicious—it’s both savory and sweet with just a hint of acidity and spice from the orange zest and optional chili flakes.

Cooking Tips:

Choose the Right Chicken Cut: For the crispiest results, boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh works best. If you’re aiming for a slightly juicier and tender chicken, thigh meat can add extra flavor.
Coating the Chicken: To ensure that the coating sticks well to the chicken, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before dredging it in the cornstarch and flour mixture. This will help the breading adhere better, resulting in a crispier texture once fried.
Frying the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken pieces to steam instead of fry, preventing that golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Adjust the Sauce: The beauty of this recipe lies in the flexibility of the sauce. You can make it spicier by adding extra chili flakes or more tangy by increasing the amount of orange juice or vinegar. Taste-test the sauce before tossing it with the chicken to get the balance just right.
Serving Suggestions: Orange Chicken is typically served with steamed white rice or fried rice. To make it a more complete meal, pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy.
Make It Healthier: If you’re looking to make a healthier version, consider baking the chicken pieces instead of frying them. You can achieve a crispy texture by lightly brushing the chicken with oil and baking it at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating:

Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of extra sauce if needed, and cook until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to reheat the chicken for a crispy texture.

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners:

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, Orange Chicken is sure to be a hit!

Variations:

Spicy Orange Chicken: If you love heat, add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the orange flavor.
Orange Tofu: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and proceed with the recipe the same way.
Add Vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas along with the chicken. These will absorb the sauce and add extra texture and flavor to the dish.

Healthier Alternatives and Modifications:

If you’re looking to make Orange Chicken a little healthier, there are a few easy swaps:

Baking Instead of Frying: While fried chicken gives a fantastic crispy texture, you can achieve similar results by baking the chicken pieces. To bake, coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture, then lightly brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Reduce the Sugar: If you want to cut down on sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the sauce. Substitute some or all of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a more wholesome alternative.
Using Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are the go-to choice, chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor. Thigh meat holds up better when frying and stays juicier, making it a great option for this dish.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: To make the dish a bit lighter on sodium, you can substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce. This helps cut back on the salt without sacrificing flavor.
Add Vegetables: To increase the nutritional value of your meal, consider adding some veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These vegetables not only add a pop of color but also provide extra fiber and vitamins.

Flavor Profile and Texture:

The unique charm of Orange Chicken lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, thanks to the cornstarch batter. When coated in the sweet and tangy sauce, each piece is drenched in flavor. The orange zest adds an extra layer of citrusy fragrance, while the vinegar provides a subtle acidity that balances out the sweetness.

The sauce itself is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the soy sauce bringing umami richness, the orange juice providing brightness, and the sugar adding a touch of sweetness. The ginger and garlic add depth to the sauce, while the chili flakes (if included) introduce just the right amount of heat.

Serving Suggestions:

Orange Chicken is typically served with steamed rice, which helps soak up the extra sauce. It pairs well with other Asian-inspired sides like stir-fried vegetables, spring rolls, or dumplings. For a more filling meal, you can add a side of fried rice or a light Asian slaw.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftovers, store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, the chicken may lose its crispiness, but you can revive some of the crunch by reheating in an air fryer or oven. To reheat in the microwave, cover the chicken loosely with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Why You Should Try Orange Chicken:

Orange Chicken is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Its balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savoriness is sure to win over any crowd. Whether you’re looking for a tasty family meal or an impressive dish to serve to guests, Orange Chicken fits the bill.

This dish is also versatile and can be made to suit various dietary preferences and needs. It can easily be adjusted to be gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari, or vegan by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. No matter how you make it, Orange Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Conclusion:

Orange Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. With crispy chicken and a tangy, sweet orange sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. This recipe is easy to customize, whether you prefer to bake the chicken, add more vegetables, or adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, Orange Chicken offers a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite!

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