Irresistible Orange Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Delight

Orange chicken is a dish that dances on your taste buds like a zesty, flavorful fiesta. Imagine crispy chicken pieces cloaked in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, enticing you with each bite. The moment you take a whiff, the citrus aroma wraps around you like a warm hug, making it nearly impossible to resist.

This orange chicken recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and takeout nights where the biggest decision was whether to order extra rice. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at your next gathering, this dish promises to deliver an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I still remember the first time I made this orange chicken recipe for my family. My mom’s eyes widened in delight as she took her first bite, declaring it “better than takeout!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for tenderness, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd.

• Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze those oranges yourself for maximum flavor; it makes all the difference in brightness.

• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to maintain control over the saltiness of your dish.

• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the tangy flavors beautifully.

• Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for that aromatic punch that complements the sweetness perfectly.

• Ginger Powder: A little warmth from ginger elevates the entire flavor profile—trust me on this!

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating that mouthwatering crispy coating on the chicken.

• Green Onions: They add fresh garnish and a mild oniony crunch when sprinkled on top before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by slicing your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.

Create the Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger powder. Toss your chicken pieces into this marinade and let them soak up those flavors for at least 15 minutes.

Dredge for Crispiness: After marinating, coat each piece of chicken with cornstarch. This step is crucial—it gives you that delightful crunch when frying!

Fry Away!: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes per side should do it.

Sauce It Up!: In another pan, combine fresh orange juice with some remaining marinade (bring it to a boil) and thicken with cornstarch if desired. Pour this over your fried chicken and stir well.

Garnish & Serve!: Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions over your glorious creation before serving it hot! You can serve this delightful dish over steamed rice or noodles.

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible orange chicken ready to tantalize taste buds!

Enjoying this vibrant plate will not only satisfy hunger but also ignite fond memories of good times spent around the table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve crispy chicken, start by marinating the pieces for at least 30 minutes. Next, fry them until golden brown before tossing in the luscious orange sauce for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful twist. Adding sesame seeds or chopped green onions can elevate the dish’s presentation and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain its crispy texture.

One time, I prepared this dish for a potluck, and everyone kept asking for seconds! It was such a hit that I couldn’t help but feel proud of my orange chicken skills.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this orange chicken recipe?

Yes, using frozen chicken is fine but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.

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Orange Chicken

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Savor the scrumptious flavors of homemade orange chicken, a dish that beautifully balances sweet and tangy notes. Crispy chicken pieces are enveloped in a vibrant orange sauce, making each bite a burst of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that brings smiles to the table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger powder. Marinade chicken for at least 15 minutes.
3. Coat marinated chicken with cornstarch evenly.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; fry chicken pieces until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side).
5. In a separate pan, boil orange juice and remaining marinade to thicken; pour over fried chicken and mix well.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece of orange chicken (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 70mg