How To Make Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken: A Flavorful Chinese Delight

Orange chicken, with its vibrant color and delectable sweet-and-sour flavor, has secured its place as a beloved dish in American Chinese cuisine. This culinary masterpiece is renowned for its crispy, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce. Achieving the perfect orange chicken at home requires careful attention to detail and the right ingredients. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets of this tantalizing dish.

Ingredients for Orange Chicken

To craft your own mouthwatering orange chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Flour: All-purpose flour for coating the chicken
• Eggs: To create the crispy batter
• Milk: For a smooth and cohesive batter
• Cornstarch: To thicken the orange sauce
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for the sweet notes
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed or high-quality store-bought orange juice
• Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce for umami and depth of flavor
• Rice vinegar: To balance the sweetness of the sauce
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger for aromatic zest
• Sesame oil: To enhance the flavors
• Orange zest: For a burst of citrusy freshness

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup of flour. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Create the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together two eggs and 1/2 cup of milk.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the orange sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
6. Thicken the sauce: Reduce heat to low and continue simmering for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
7. Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the thickened orange sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for garnish and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Orange Chicken

• Use fresh, free-range chicken for the best flavor and texture.
• Double-coat the chicken in flour and egg mixture for extra crispiness.
• Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cornstarch if desired.
• Serve orange chicken hot for the best experience.

FAQ about Orange Chicken

1. What’s the secret to crispy orange chicken?

   • To achieve maximum crispiness, double-coat the chicken in flour and egg mixture and fry it in hot oil until golden brown.

2. How can I make the orange sauce more flavorful?

   • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter taste. Add a touch of chili flakes for a hint of spice.

3. What sides go well with orange chicken?

   • Steamed rice or noodles are classic accompaniments to orange chicken. You can also add stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls.

4. Can I make orange chicken ahead of time?

   • You can make the fried chicken and sauce separately and reheat them just before serving. However, the chicken will lose some of its crispiness if stored for too long.

5. How can I store leftover orange chicken?

   • Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Orange chicken is a delectable dish that adds a vibrant and flavorful touch to any meal. By following the step-by-step instructions and incorporating these tips, you can recreate this Chinese classic in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different ingredients and sides to create your own signature orange chicken recipe. Bon appétit!