What To Know
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
- With its crispy chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our delectable orange chicken recipe with sauce. This culinary masterpiece blends the vibrant flavors of sweet and savory to create a dish that will leave you craving more. With its crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients: Gathering the Culinary Symphony
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Orange Chicken Perfection
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per batch.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering orange sauce until it thickens, about 1 minute.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the fried chicken to the thickened orange sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with the orange zest and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Variations: A Canvas for Culinary Creativity
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the orange chicken before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks: Mastering the Art of Orange Chicken
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice provides a brighter and more vibrant flavor to the sauce compared to store-bought juice.
- Control the Heat: Keep a close eye on the temperature of the oil when frying the chicken to prevent burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady medium-high heat.
- Thicken the Sauce to Perfection: The cornstarch mixture should be added slowly and whisked continuously to avoid lumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water and stir until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to orange chicken, but you can also serve it with noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite sides.
Nutritional Information: A Balance of Taste and Health
A serving of orange chicken with sauce (about 1 cup) provides approximately:
- Calories: 450-500
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-80 milligrams
- Sodium: 1000-1200 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Protein: 30-35 grams
“Orange You Glad You Tried It?” A Culinary Conclusion
Our orange chicken recipe with sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With its crispy chicken coated in a vibrant orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with the variations and tips provided to create your own unique culinary masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this flavorful journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling the Secrets of Orange Chicken
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Q2: How can I make the orange sauce less sweet?
A: To reduce the sweetness of the orange sauce, decrease the amount of brown sugar or honey used. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Q3: What are some healthy side dishes to serve with orange chicken?
A: Steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, brown rice, or quinoa are all healthy and delicious options to serve with orange chicken.
