Say Goodbye To Breading: Dive Into A Symphony Of Flavors With This Orange Chicken Recipe (no Breading Required!)
What To Know
- With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality orange chicken right in your own kitchen.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer or add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while stirring constantly.
- Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Are you looking for a healthier alternative to the classic orange chicken recipe without compromising on flavor? Look no further! This orange chicken recipe no breading delivers a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings without the added calories and carbs from breading. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality orange chicken right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the orange juice and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 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.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Success
- To ensure crispy chicken, make sure the chicken pieces are dry before coating them in the cornstarch mixture.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer or add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while stirring constantly.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with an additional tablespoon of honey and add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the chicken mixture.
- Orange Chicken with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots, to the skillet along with the chicken. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Baked Orange Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Benefits of Orange Chicken Recipe No Breading
- Healthier: This orange chicken recipe no breading is a healthier alternative to the traditional breaded version, as it contains less fat and calories.
- Crispy and Flavorful: Despite the lack of breading, this recipe still delivers crispy chicken with a delicious orange flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
- Versatile: This orange chicken recipe no breading is versatile and can be served with various side dishes, such as steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
Beyond Orange Chicken
- Orange Beef: Replace the chicken with thinly sliced beef strips and follow the same recipe.
- Orange Tofu: For a vegan option, use extra-firm tofu cut into 1-inch pieces instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it in the cornstarch mixture.
- Orange Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp instead of chicken. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
“No Breading, No Worries!”
This orange chicken recipe no breading is a game-changer for those who love the classic dish but want a healthier and easier-to-make version. With its crispy texture, delicious orange flavor, and versatility, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. So, say goodbye to breading and hello to a healthier and tastier orange chicken experience!
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Q: How can I make the orange sauce spicier?
A: You can add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce to make it spicier.
