Orange Chicken Recipe: The Secret to Making Crispy and Flavorful Chicken

Hey there foodies! Are you a fan of Chinese cuisine? Then you must have heard of orange chicken. This popular dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a fancy dinner party or a casual night in. And the best part is that you don’t need to go to a restaurant to satisfy your cravings because you can now make it at home! As an expert copywriter, I’m here to share the secret to making crispy and flavorful orange chicken that will leave you wanting more.

Orange chicken is a dish that originated in Hunan province, China. It consists of bite-sized chicken pieces that are deep-fried and coated with a sticky, sweet, and savory orange sauce. While the dish is easy to make, many people struggle with getting the right balance of flavors and achieving the perfect crispy texture. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process step-by-step and help you achieve restaurant-quality orange chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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The Best Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and tastes amazing, look no further than this orange chicken recipe. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and crispy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

To make the best orange chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh chicken breast, cornstarch, soy sauce, vegetable oil, egg, orange juice, garlic, ginger, and green onions.

If possible, try to use the freshest ingredients you can find to get the best flavor. You can also adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in a mixture of egg, cornstarch, and soy sauce for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook until it’s crispy and golden brown.

3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, garlic, and ginger until well combined.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.

5. Remove any excess oil from the pan, then pour in the orange sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Add the chicken to the pan and toss it with the sauce until it’s well coated.

7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips and Tricks

1. To get the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is hot before you add it to the pan. You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of chicken into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready to go.

2. Don’t rush the marinating process. Giving the chicken enough time to soak up the flavors will make all the difference in the final dish.

3. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s safe to eat.

With these tips and tricks, you can make the best orange chicken imaginable. So why not give it a try tonight and treat your family or friends to a delicious meal?

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Orange Chicken

If you love orange chicken but are looking for healthier options, you’re in luck! Below are three delicious recipes that use healthier ingredients and cooking methods while still providing that sweet and tangy orange flavor you crave.

Baked Orange Chicken Recipe

This recipe uses baking instead of frying to achieve a crispy texture without the added oil. To make this dish, you will need:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Brown rice and steamed vegetables, for serving

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with the cornstarch until well coated. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

While the chicken is baking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the garlic, ginger, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the baked chicken to the sauce and toss until coated. Serve with brown rice and steamed vegetables.

Orange Tofu Recipe

For vegetarians and vegans, tofu is a great substitute for chicken in this dish. This recipe requires the same method of baking instead of frying for a healthier option. To make orange tofu, you will need:

1 lb tofu, pressed and cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Quinoa and roasted vegetables, for serving

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Coat the tofu pieces in cornstarch until well coated. Transfer the tofu to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

In a small saucepan, combine the garlic, ginger, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the baked tofu to the sauce and toss until coated. Serve with quinoa and roasted vegetables.

Orange Cauliflower Recipe

If you’re looking for a low-carb option or just want to include more vegetables in your diet, this recipe uses cauliflower instead of chicken. This recipe uses the same method of baking instead of frying for a healthier option. To make orange cauliflower, you will need:

1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Brown rice and roasted vegetables, for serving

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Coat the cauliflower pieces in cornstarch until well coated. Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the vegetable oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

In a small saucepan, combine the garlic, ginger, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the baked cauliflower to the sauce and toss until coated. Serve with brown rice and roasted vegetables.

These three healthier alternatives to traditional orange chicken are easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you prefer meat, tofu, or vegetables, there’s a recipe for everyone. Give them a try and enjoy a guilt-free version of your favorite Chinese takeout dish!

Fun Ways to Serve Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

For a fresh and healthy spin on orange chicken, try serving it in butter lettuce wraps. Simply cook the orange chicken according to your recipe, then fill lettuce leaves with the cooked chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

This makes for a great appetizer or light meal that’s perfect for warmer weather. The crisp lettuce pairs nicely with the tangy and sweet flavors of the orange chicken.

Orange Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to serve orange chicken, consider turning it into skewers. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then thread them onto skewers with chunks of fresh pineapple and red bell pepper.

Grill the skewers until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are slightly charred. This method of serving orange chicken adds a touch of smokiness and a burst of fresh fruitiness to the dish.

Orange Chicken Fried Rice

If you have leftover orange chicken, try using it as a flavorful ingredient in fried rice. Cook some rice according to package instructions, then let it cool slightly. In a large nonstick pan or wok, heat some oil and add in the cooked rice, frozen peas, shredded carrots, and scrambled eggs.

Stir in the orange chicken and continue to cook until everything is heated through and the eggs are fully cooked. This is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

By incorporating orange chicken into your fried rice, you’ll add some much-needed protein and a burst of sweet, tangy flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

These three fun and easy ways to serve orange chicken are just the beginning. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and try new things. Whether you serve it in a wrap, on a skewer, or in a fried rice dish, orange chicken is a delicious and versatile ingredient that’s sure to please your taste buds.

So the next time you’re thinking about what to make for dinner, consider serving up some orange chicken in one of these fun and flavorful ways.

Thank You for Reading and Happy Cooking!

We hope this orange chicken recipe has inspired you to get into the kitchen and try something new. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to this recipe or try it with different types of meat or vegetables.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other recipes and cooking tips. And don’t forget to come back soon for more delicious inspiration. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite dish!