What To Know
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
- In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade with an additional 1/4 cup of orange juice.
- Serve the drumsticks with a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Orange chicken drumsticks, a tantalizing fusion of sweet and savory flavors, are a culinary delight that will captivate your taste buds. This blog post will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to make this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before embarking on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Preparing the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a symphony of flavors.
Marinating the Drumsticks
Submerge the chicken drumsticks in the prepared marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Frying the Drumsticks
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the drumsticks from the marinade and shake off any excess. Fry the drumsticks for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Orange Sauce
While the drumsticks fry, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining marinade with an additional 1/4 cup of orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Glazing the Drumsticks
Once the drumsticks are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Pour the orange sauce over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated. Garnish with fresh orange slices or green onions for a vibrant presentation.
Serving the Orange Chicken Drumsticks
Serve the orange chicken drumsticks immediately with your favorite sides. They pair well with rice, noodles, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Success
- For a crispier drumstick, double-fry them. Fry them once for 5 minutes, then remove them from the oil and let them cool. Fry them again for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to taste.
- Serve the drumsticks with a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Recommendations: A Culinary Masterpiece
Orange chicken drumsticks are a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and prepare to indulge in a taste sensation that will tantalize your palate.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts cook faster than drumsticks.
Q: Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Q: What sides go well with orange chicken drumsticks?
A: Orange chicken drumsticks pair well with rice, noodles, green salad, or steamed vegetables.
