Chinese Orange Chicken cooked with crisp fried chicken dipped in original orange sauce. This recipe is superior to take-away!
Why This Recipe is a Hit
My children always beg me to get Chinese food. They’re fascinated by the orange chicken. I’m not sure about the ingredients in take-out, such as those from a drive-thru, so I made my version with all-natural ingredients. It also has the exact taste they enjoy, which is a win for our family!
Perfect for Winter Citrus Season
The winter months in Arizona bring ripe citrus fruit. As neighbors have an abundance of fresh lemons and oranges, this is the best time to cook tasty citrus recipes, including Chinese Orange Chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- Four Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 Eggs whisked
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch
- 1/3 cup Flour
- Salt, as desired
- Oil for cooking
Orange Chicken Sauce:
- 1 cup Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar or White Vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons of Soy Sauce (use the tamari option for a gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- One teaspoon of Garlic Powder (or two cloves of garlic minced finely)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red Chili Flakes
- Orange Zest is made up of 1 orange.
- 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water
Garnish:
- The green onions, chopped
- Orange Zest
How to Make Chinese Orange Chicken at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin with bones-free, skinless chicken breasts or legs.
- Slice pieces of chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Dip the chickens in egg whisks and then cover them in cornstarch and flour.
- Put aside the chicken-coated pieces to fry.
Step 2: Make the Orange Chicken Sauce
- In a small pan or pot, mix sugar, orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red chili powder.
- Cook on medium-high heat and stir frequently.
- When the sauce is beginning to simmer, you can add a mixture of water and cornstarch to thicken it.
- Mix in the zest of an orange to add flavor.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- The oil should be heated in the heavy-bottomed vessel on medium-high until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- The chicken is fried in small batches for approximately two minutes each until golden brown.
- Take the chicken out of the oil and drain it onto a clean plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Mix the fried chicken in a bowl with the Sweet Orange Sauce until the chicken is thoroughly covered.
- Garnish it with grated zest of orange as well as the green onion.
- Serve right away and enjoy the delicious homemade Chinese Orange Chicken!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer to ensure that the oil has reached the proper temperature (350°F) to cook crispy chicken.
- You can modify the sweetness and intensity of the sauce depending on your preferences by using the amount of sugar and red chili chips.
- To avoid gluten, you can substitute the soy sauce with the tamari.
This Chinese Orange Chicken recipe is a great way to bring take-out flavors into your home but with the added benefit of using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner the entire family will love!