What To Know
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve the orange chicken over noodles, such as ramen or udon, for a slurpable and satisfying dish.
Elevate your taste buds to new heights with our homemade orange chicken recipe, a delectable dish that seamlessly blends tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. This culinary masterpiece is sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them craving more. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, orange zest, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the orange sauce.
- Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips for a Perfect Orange Chicken:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender and juicy texture.
- Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the chicken evenly in flour before cooking to help create a crispy exterior.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure even browning.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately to maintain its crispy texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a slightly sweeter and tangy flavor.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the orange chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Orange Chicken: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the sauce along with the chicken.
Healthier Options:
- Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Whole Wheat Orange Chicken: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content of the dish.
- Reduced-Sodium Orange Chicken: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the sodium content.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Serve the orange chicken with steamed rice as a classic and comforting side dish.
- Fried Rice: Pair the orange chicken with fried rice for a flavorful and filling meal.
- Noodles: Serve the orange chicken over noodles, such as ramen or udon, for a slurpable and satisfying dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Accompany the orange chicken with stir-fried vegetables for a healthy and colorful side dish.
“Wrap-Up”: A Culinary Symphony of Flavors
Our homemade orange chicken recipe is a culinary symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you prefer a classic or a spicy version, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to create a unique dining experience. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw the chicken completely before cutting and cooking it.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken gently and combine them.
Q: What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
A: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
