Craving Orange Chicken? Try This Pakistani Recipe For A Flavorful Twist

Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines the sweet and sour flavors of orange sauce with crispy fried chicken. While it is often associated with Chinese cuisine, this recipe adds a Pakistani twist to create a unique and flavorful dish. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Orange Chicken Recipe Pakistani style!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the coated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Orange Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Pour the orange sauce into the skillet where you fried the chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Add the cooked chicken pieces, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Add the Orange Zest and Juice:

• Stir in the orange zest and juice.

7. Serve:

• Serve the orange chicken immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• For a tangier sauce, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Chicken Nuggets: Instead of cutting the chicken into strips, cut it into small pieces and fry them like chicken nuggets.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweet and garlicky flavor.
• Orange Chicken with Broccoli: Add a cup of broccoli florets to the skillet along with the green and red bell peppers.

Storage:

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

“Orange Chicken” or “Orange Chicken Recipe Pakistani”?

While the name “orange chicken” is commonly used to refer to the dish, adding “Pakistani” to the name reflects the unique blend of flavors and spices used in this recipe. The Pakistani twist adds a depth of flavor that sets it apart from the traditional Chinese version.

Takeaways:

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Pakistan with this Orange Chicken Recipe Pakistani. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors creates a delightful dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this orange chicken is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to Pakistan with this delicious recipe!

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

2. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

• To thicken the sauce, mix together a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet while stirring constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Can I add vegetables to the orange chicken?

• Yes, you can add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to the orange chicken. Simply stir them into the skillet along with the chicken.

5. How long can I store leftover orange chicken?

• Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.