Orange Chicken Recipe
This homemade Orange Chicken recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup 60g cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup 120ml orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- ¼ cup 60ml soy sauce
- ¼ cup 60ml rice vinegar
- ¼ cup 50g brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken:Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce:In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and orange zest. Pour the mixture into the skillet or wok used to cook the chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce:In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet or wok. Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve:Garnish the orange chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Enjoy:Serve your homemade orange chicken immediately, and enjoy the delicious combination of tangy orange flavor, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger!