Mary KellyBefore we dive into the delightful world of Chinese Orange Chicken, let’s think about what pairs well with it. A dish this flavorful deserves excellent companions. Here are a few suggestions:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice, the subtle fragrance of jasmine rice complements the zesty chicken perfectly. It absorbs the vibrant sauce making every bite enjoyable.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas can add crunch and nutritional value. The contrasting textures elevate your meal.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers add a delicious crunch and are perfect for dipping in the extra orange sauce. They also serve as a fun way to start your meal.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a soothing counterpart to the tangy chicken. The umami flavors blend beautifully.
Now, let’s peel back the layers of this dish.
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Ah, Chinese Orange Chicken. Just the thought of it conjures up images of tender chicken enveloped in a sweet, citrus glaze. It’s a dish that often captivates the taste buds, greeting you with the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. I remember the first time I tried it at a local Chinese restaurant. I was so enchanted by that orangey goodness, I knew I had to recreate it in my kitchen. And guess what? It’s not just an enticing recipe; it’s a canvas for flavor and creativity.
What is Chinese Orange Chicken?
Chinese Orange Chicken is a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine, featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces tossed in a succulent orange sauce. The sauce shines with the brightness of fresh oranges, sweetened perfectly to contrast the savory chicken. Originating from the need to provide a flavorful dish that appeals to a wide audience, this dish blends Chinese culinary techniques with flavors that resonate with American palates.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for Chinese Orange Chicken stands out for a variety of reasons:
1. Easy Preparation:
Cooking should be fun, not stressful. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps. Even if you presume yourself a novice in the kitchen, you can follow through and cook up a delicious dish. With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward approach, you’re set up for success.
2. Flavor Fusion:
The combination of sweet and savory elements creates layers of flavor that dance on your palate. The orange juice melds with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, producing a sauce that balances sweetness and umami. Every component enhances the profile of the dish.
3. Texture Variation:
The contrast between the crisp, fried chicken and the sticky sauce adds an exciting dimension. Each bite offers both crunch from the chicken and a luscious glaze that delights the senses. That texture is where the magic happens.
4. Adaptability:
This recipe can be tailored to suit various tastes. Love it spicy? Add extra red pepper flakes. Prefer a healthier version? Use an air fryer for the chicken or substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar. The base of the recipe can accommodate a myriad of variations to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Chinese Orange Chicken
To whip up this culinary delight, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt, to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- For the Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari if gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For Garnish:
- Additional orange zest
- Chopped green onions
- Additional orange zest
How to Make This Chinese Orange Chicken?
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken chunks with salt. In separate bowls, place the beaten eggs, flour, and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, orange juice, grated ginger, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, orange zest, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. This will be the star of your show.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, pour the orange sauce mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle boil. Stir frequently until it thickens, usually around 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add your fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss them carefully in the sauce until they are fully coated and glistening.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. For a final touch, garnish with additional orange zest and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, piping hot, alongside your preferred sides.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The juice and zest make a difference.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Temperature Control: Ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Batch Cooking: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature. This results in better crispiness.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately for better texture upon reheating.
Nutrition Information
A serving of Chinese Orange Chicken (with sides) typically contains:
- Calories: About 400–600 (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbohydrates: 40–55g
- Fat: 15–20g
- Fiber: 1g
How to Store the Leftovers?
If you find yourself with extras, storing them properly is essential. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken by sealing it in a freezer bag, keeping it for up to 3 months. Remember that the texture may change when reheating from frozen.
Recommended Side Dishes for Chinese Orange Chicken
Pairing your Chinese Orange Chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options:
1. Fried Rice: A classic side, fried rice is satisfyingly hearty. You can include vegetables, eggs, or even proteins to enhance the dish.
2. Hot and Sour Soup: This dish brings a punchy contrast to the sweet orange chicken. The spices and flavors of the soup create a beautiful balance.
3. Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft noodles tossed with colorful vegetables add a lovely texture and flavor dimension, building on the essence of your meal.
4. Cabbage Salad with Sesame Dressing: The crunchy cabbage salad gives a refreshing bite, thanks to the dressing’s nuttiness.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
Sometimes, you may not have everything at hand. Here are some substitutes:
1. Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, use thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
2. Cornstarch: In place of cornstarch, use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour. Both will thicken your sauce beautifully.
3. Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger can step in if fresh isn’t available. Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh.
4. Orange Juice: If you don’t have fresh oranges, store-bought orange juice will suffice. Look for no added sugar for the best flavor.
Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken chunks with salt. In separate bowls, place the beaten eggs, flour, and cornstarch. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-covered.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken pieces in the oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, orange juice, grated ginger, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, orange zest, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth. This will be the star of your show.
- In a skillet over medium heat, pour the orange sauce mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle boil. Stir frequently until it thickens, usually around 2-3 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add your fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss them carefully in the sauce until they are fully coated and glistening.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. For a final touch, garnish with additional orange zest and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, piping hot, alongside your preferred sides.
Nutrition
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The juice and zest make a difference.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Temperature Control: Ensure oil is hot enough before adding chicken. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Batch Cooking: Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature. This results in better crispiness.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately for better texture upon reheating.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and fry the chicken ahead of time. Reheat in the oven before adding the sauce, so the coating stays crispy.
2. How spicy is the dish?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. Omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish or increase for more heat.
3. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and ensuring your cornstarch and all-purpose flour are gluten-free.
4. Is this dish healthy?
While it contains sugar and fried chicken, you can control the ingredients to make it healthier. Baking or air-frying the chicken and reducing the sugar in the sauce are great options.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes, or utilize the stovetop in a skillet over low heat to bring it back to life.
Conclusion
Chinese Orange Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From its delightful flavors to the satisfaction of creating it yourself, this dish has a way of beckoning you back to the kitchen.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or savoring it solo after a long day, it never disappoints. With its versatility and opportunities for customization, it’s a dish that continuously delights and surprises. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and step into the wonderful world of cooking this beloved Asian-American classic. You won’t regret it!
