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Crispy Orange Chicken at Home

Orange Chicken
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This recipe guides you through making crispy orange chicken with a flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch and flour.
  3. In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg with water.
  4. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornstarch-flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  5. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  7. Fry for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain.
  8. In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  9. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
  10. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  11. Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the chicken. Fry once until lightly golden, remove, increase oil temperature slightly, and fry again for 1-2 minutes until deeply golden.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenpivot.com/orange-chicken/