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Orange Chicken Recipe

A flavorful dish featuring crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy orange sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral flavored oil)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (heaping)
• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1/2 cup cane sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut liquid aminos)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 tsp zested ginger root (peeled)
• 1 Tbsp orange juice concentrate (or 3 Tbsp orange juice)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity with each piece around an inch thick. This will help ensure even cooking and crispy bites. Be mindful of keeping your workspace clean and tidy to avoid any raw chicken cross-contamination.

2. Step 2: Get the Oil Ready
   Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large pot or deep skillet and set it over medium-high heat. You're aiming for the oil to reach a temperature of about 350°F. While the oil heats up, it’s a good time to gather your other ingredients to keep things running smoothly.

3. Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Mixture
   In a small bowl, whisk the egg together with a tablespoon of sunflower oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your go-to mix for the initial coating of the chicken. It acts as a binder for the flour, so feel free to get a little messy with it—just make sure the chicken’s well-covered.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Flour Coating
   In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour until they're thoroughly mixed. This will give your chicken that irresistibly crisp outer layer. Be generous with your dredging to ensure each piece gets a good coating. Just a heads-up, this is where the magic starts!

5. Step 5: Coat the Chicken
   Dunk the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then transfer them into the flour mixture, giving them a good toss around. Shake off any extra flour, but don’t worry if some bits cling on—it’ll only add to the crunch factor.

6. Step 6: Fry the Chicken to Perfection
   Working in batches, gently lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them until they're golden and crispy, which usually takes about 5 minutes per batch if your oil is at the right temperature. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

7. Step 7: Concoct the Orange Sauce
   In a saucepan or large pot, mix together the vinegar, cane sugar, water, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, orange juice concentrate, cornstarch, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar. Bring this aromatic blend to a boil, then let it simmer until it thickens to your liking, usually about a minute or two.

8. Step 8: Combine Chicken and Sauce
   With the sauce ready and aromatic, toss in those crispy chicken pieces. Stir them around until each piece is beautifully coated in that tangy orange glaze. It’s a satisfying moment when the sauce hugs the chicken just right.

9. Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
   Transfer your orange chicken to a serving dish. It’s ready to be the star of your meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. Savor the harmony of flavors with each bite, and relish in the fact that you’ve just made something spectacular from scratch.

Notes

A common hiccup when making orange chicken is not getting the chicken crispy enough. Ensure the oil is hot—around 350°F—before frying. This helps achieve that delightful crunch. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will end up soggy.

Another oopsie is skipping the paper towel step. Allowing the chicken to rest on paper towels after frying absorbs excess oil, keeping it crispy.

Lastly, don’t rush the sauce. Let it boil and thicken properly. This ensures it clings beautifully to the chicken. Proper preparation turns this dish into a delicious masterpiece!