Description
Chinese Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, making it a favorite among many.
Ingredients
Scale
- Zest from 1 orange: This adds a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Provides sweetness and tanginess.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps balance the sauce consistency.
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar: Introduces a mild acidity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the sauce.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The main protein, tender and juicy.
- 2 large eggs: Used for coating the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating): Creates a crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps with the coating.
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for frying the chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1 large shallot, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth.
- Sliced scallions (for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Enhances presentation and flavor.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): Complements the dish perfectly.
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate them for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the coating by beating the eggs and mixing cornstarch with all-purpose flour in separate bowls.
- Coat the marinated chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce by sautéing minced garlic and sliced shallot in a separate pan, then adding the remaining marinade and simmering until thickened.
- Combine the fried chicken with the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Serve the Chinese Orange Chicken over fluffy white rice, garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Double frying the chicken can enhance its crispiness.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chinese Orange Chicken, Orange Chicken, Chinese Cuisine, Fried Chicken