Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a deliciously sweet and tangy orange sauce. This Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while being easy to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that fits any palate.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy texture and sweet flavor.
- Homemade Goodness: Skip takeout and enjoy a healthier homemade version made with fresh ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure the process goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan or wok: A wide surface allows for even frying of chicken pieces.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry ingredients and sauces without mess.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: Perfect for flipping chicken during frying while keeping your hands safe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Make Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add cold water until you achieve a smooth batter.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), dip each piece of chicken into the batter. Carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy—about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
In another saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and bring it to a simmer. Stir often until sugar dissolves. Add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken it up.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once your chicken is crispy and golden brown, pour the orange sauce over it in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with this delicious glaze.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your crispy orange chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table!
How to Serve Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes enhances its flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
With Steamed Rice
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the tangy orange sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and added color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Served with Broccoli
- Add steamed broccoli on the side for a nutritious touch. The vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the orange chicken.
On a Bed of Noodles
- Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty twist, soaking up the sauce and adding texture to your meal.
Accompanied by Egg Rolls
- Pair with crispy egg rolls for an extra crunch. They provide a wonderful contrast to the soft chicken and sweet sauce.
With a Side Salad
- A light salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette adds freshness, balancing out the richness of the crispy orange chicken.
How to Perfect Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Crispy Orange Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
Use cold water: Mixing your batter with cold water helps create an extra crispy coating when frying.
Double fry the chicken: For maximum crispiness, fry the chicken pieces twice—first at a lower temperature and then at a higher temperature.
Allow chicken to rest: Let the fried chicken sit on paper towels for a few minutes before serving; this helps retain its crunch.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar in the orange sauce according to your taste preferences for balanced sweetness.
Incorporate chili flakes: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce; it complements the sweetness of the orange flavor.
Serve immediately: For optimal crispiness, serve the dish right after cooking. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the pan!
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Serving your Crispy Orange Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
Fried Rice: A flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and eggs; it’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots tossed in sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Noodles: These buttery noodles infused with garlic provide richness that pairs wonderfully with orange chicken.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds depth to your meal while keeping it light and comforting.
Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar is refreshing and balances out the savory elements of orange chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrition, making your plate visually appealing and wholesome.
Spring Rolls: Lightly fried spring rolls filled with vegetables offer another crunchy element alongside your dish.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with herbs provides a healthy option that complements the main course well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a crispy orange chicken recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavor. Always let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for better taste.
- Using the wrong oil: Not using vegetable oil can result in a lower frying temperature. Stick with vegetable oil for the best crispiness and flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, making them soggy. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
- Not checking the temperature: Failing to monitor oil temperature can lead to burnt or undercooked chicken. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken before frying.
- Ignoring sauce consistency: Making the sauce too watery will not adhere well to the chicken. Ensure it’s thickened properly before tossing it with the fried chicken.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover crispy orange chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- For long-term storage, freeze cooled crispy orange chicken in a freezer-safe container.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently. Note that this method may not maintain crispiness.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this crispy orange chicken recipe.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for different variations of this dish while keeping similar flavors.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
To lighten this recipe, you can bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying, which reduces fat content significantly.
How do I make a vegetarian version of crispy orange chicken?
For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh as replacements for chicken, ensuring they are well-marinated and cooked until crispy.
What can I serve with crispy orange chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, making your cooking process quicker on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This crispy orange chicken recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level. Try it out, and enjoy creating your comforting and flavorful dish!
Crispy Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on classic Chinese takeout that combines perfectly fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors from the comfort of your home. With its satisfying crunch and vibrant citrus notes, this dish is sure to win over family and friends. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s both delicious and fulfilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cold water until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Dip each chicken piece into the batter and fry in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger; simmer until sugar dissolves. Add cornstarch-water mix to thicken.
- Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
