crispy sweet tangy chicken

Orange chicken is a delightful dish you're sure to love. It's crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, often enjoyed as a staple of Chinese-American cuisine. Originating in the late 20th century, its addictive flavors make it popular, especially at restaurants like Panda Express. You can easily recreate it at home using fresh ingredients. If you want to discover more about its recipe and cooking techniques, just stick around!

History

historical events and narratives

Orange chicken, while it may seem like a staple of Chinese cuisine, actually has its roots in Chinese-American cooking, particularly gaining traction in the U.S. during the late 20th century.

You'll find that this dish is an adaptation to suit American tastes, featuring a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The sauce combines orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, creating a unique fusion that resonates with many diners.

Its popularity skyrocketed thanks to restaurants like Panda Express, which introduced their version in 1987, helping spread the dish across the nation.

Since then, various interpretations and recipes have emerged, with home cooks enthusiastic to replicate this beloved dish, often using healthier ingredients and cooking methods.

Recipe

cooking instructions for meal

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or less, to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and a tablespoon of sugar for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.

In one bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch, and in another, beat the egg.

Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.

Once all chicken is fried, remove it from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, combine the remaining orange juice, orange zest, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and the rest of the sugar.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well-coated, and serve over rice, garnished with chopped green onions.

Extra Tips:

For an even more flavorful dish, consider adding a touch of sesame oil to the sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it; simply coat the chicken as instructed and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Finally, feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.

Enjoy your homemade orange chicken!

Cooking Steps

cooking step by step

To make delicious orange chicken, you'll start by marinating your chicken in a citrus blend for maximum flavor.

Next, you'll dredge the chicken in seasoned cornstarch before frying it to a perfect golden brown.

Finally, don't forget to garnish with sesame seeds for that extra touch!

Step 1. Marinate in Citrus Blend

citrus marinade preparation step

When you're ready to marinate the chicken for your orange chicken dish, start by mixing together a beaten egg, soy sauce, and light brown sugar in a large bowl.

This marinade adds flavor and moisture to your cubed chicken, ensuring it stays juicy. For an extra citrusy kick, you can incorporate freshly squeezed orange juice or orange zest into the marinade.

Toss the cubed chicken in the marinade until it's fully coated, allowing the citrus blend to penetrate the meat. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes; this will tenderize the chicken and enhance its taste.

The combination of the marinade ingredients will infuse the chicken with delightful flavors, making your dish irresistible.

Step 2. Prepare the Orange Glaze

prepare orange glaze mixture

Start by combining soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, orange juice, chicken broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the orange glaze.

Pour this mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil to activate the flavors.

Once boiling, add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, simmering for about 2 to 3 minutes.

You'll notice the orange sauce thickening nicely.

For an extra burst of citrus, grate some fresh orange zest into the glaze just before serving.

Remember to taste the glaze, adjusting sweetness or acidity as needed with more sugar or vinegar.

This will guarantee your orange glaze perfectly complements the dish!

Step 3. Dredge in Seasoned Cornstarch

coat with seasoned cornstarch

Prepare a dredging station by mixing cornstarch with flour and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish.

Make certain your chicken pieces are dry to help the seasoned cornstarch adhere better.

Dredge each piece in the cornstarch mixture, confirming you coat them evenly while shaking off any excess to avoid clumping during frying.

Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes; this step helps achieve a crispier texture.

When you're ready, heat the oil to 350°F and fry the dredged chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

This guarantees the temperature stays consistent, allowing your chicken to cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden brown color.

Enjoy that crunch!

Step 4. Fry Until Golden Brown

fry until golden brown

After letting the coated chicken rest, it's time to fry until golden brown.

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or large nonstick skillet to 350°F (175°C) for ideal frying. Use shallow frying by adding about ¼ inch of oil to guarantee even cooking and prevent sogginess.

Fry the chicken in batches for 2-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.

Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain that delicious crispiness.

Your orange chicken will be perfectly cooked and ready for the next step!

Step 5. Garnish With Sesame Seeds

garnish dish with sesame

To give your orange chicken that final touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant. A tablespoon or two is usually enough to garnish a family-sized portion.

This not only adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor but also enhances the dish's visual appeal. Pair the sesame seeds with sliced green onions or grated orange zest for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Plus, sesame seeds provide healthy fats and additional nutrients, making your orange chicken even more delicious and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

conclusion and reflections expressed

Ultimately, the delightful combination of flavors in orange chicken makes it a favorite for many. This popular Chinese dish features a sweet and tangy sauce primarily made from fresh orange juice and zest.

When you choose homemade versions, you can enjoy the health benefits of fresh ingredients while creating a family-friendly meal. There are plenty of variations to explore, like substituting tofu for a vegetarian option or using different proteins to cater to dietary preferences.

For a flavor enhancement, consider adding ginger or adjusting the sauce's sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between General Tso's and Orange Chicken?

When you compare General Tso's chicken and orange chicken, you'll notice distinct differences in flavor and preparation.

General Tso's tends to be spicier, thanks to ingredients like crushed red pepper, while orange chicken offers a sweeter, tangy taste from its orange sauce.

The batter for General Tso's is thicker, while orange chicken's coating is lighter and crispier.

Nutritionally, orange chicken usually has more sugar, whereas General Tso's may contain higher sodium levels.

What Ingredients Are in Orange Chicken?

You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. In this case, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you marinate and coat.

For the sauce, gather fresh orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes.

To coat the chicken, use a mix of cornstarch and flour, plus whisked eggs for adhesion.

Finally, don't forget garnishes like grated orange zest and sliced green onions to enhance the dish!

What Are the 4 Ingredients in Orange Chicken?

When you think about the four key ingredients in a dish like this, consider chicken, which provides the main protein.

Next, you'll want orange juice, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor.

Soy sauce adds depth with its umami richness, while light brown sugar brings sweetness to balance the tanginess.

Together, these ingredients create a delicious harmony that elevates the dish, making it a favorite for many.

Enjoy experimenting with these flavors!

Is Orange Chicken Healthy for You?

When you consider if a dish is healthy, think about its ingredients and preparation methods.

If it's high in sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats, it mightn't be the best choice for your diet.

However, you can make healthier adjustments by using lean proteins, baking instead of frying, and incorporating vegetables.

Always check the nutritional content and choose options that align with your health goals for a more balanced meal.

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