Chinese Orange Chicken
A delightful dish featuring crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky and tangy orange sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying Enough for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon zest of 1 orange
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by marinating the chicken. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, coat the chicken with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with cornstarch. Ensure all pieces are well coated, and set them aside.
Frying
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil for frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Sauce Preparation
- In another saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry to the orange sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Let it cook for another minute to warm through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
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Notes
Consider pairing with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed white rice. For a touch of freshness, add slices of cucumber or a side salad to brighten your plate. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking.