Orange Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Journey

Orange Chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all around the world. Its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, tender pieces of chicken, and a glossy, orange-infused sauce make it a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Orange Chicken, exploring its ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods, all explained in simple day-to-day language.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: You can choose either part, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• 1 cup of cornstarch: This will give the chicken a crispy coating when fried.
• 2 eggs: They’ll help the cornstarch stick to the chicken.
• Vegetable oil for frying: You’ll need enough to submerge the chicken pieces in your frying pan or deep fryer.

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup of orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but store-bought works fine too.
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar: This gives the sauce its sweet balance.
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar: Provides a tangy kick.
• 1/3 cup of soy sauce: Adds a salty and savory element.
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth: For depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest: This adds a fragrant orange aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, minced: Fresh ginger is best, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch.
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic cloves or pre-minced garlic both work.
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken breasts, try to keep them evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: In a large bowl, place your chicken pieces and toss them with the cup of cornstarch. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. This will create a crispy exterior when we fry them.
3. Egg Wash: Beat the two eggs in a separate bowl. Then, dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, ensuring they’re well-coated. This will help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or a deep fryer. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat it to about 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the chicken less crispy.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried chicken pieces from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

7. Combine Ingredients: In a separate saucepan, mix together the cup of orange juice, half a cup of granulated sugar, half a cup of white vinegar, a third cup of soy sauce, a quarter cup of chicken broth, the grated orange zest, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything well.
8. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the two tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a cornstarch slurry. Pour this slurry into the saucepan with the other ingredients. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

9. Mix It Up: Once your sauce is thick and glossy, add the fried chicken pieces into the saucepan. Gently toss and coat the chicken in the orange sauce until every piece is nicely covered.
10. Simmer: Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the chicken even more tender.
11. Serve Hot: Your homemade Orange Chicken is now ready to be served! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or vegetables.

A Few Tips

• Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed orange juice, ginger, and garlic can really elevate the flavors.
• Consistency: If your sauce turns out too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to thin it down. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, you can make another cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and add it slowly while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
• Customization: Orange Chicken is quite versatile. If you like it spicier, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also toss in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

Conclusion

Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that’s not just reserved for takeout. With a few simple ingredients and some love in the kitchen, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home. The combination of crispy, tender chicken and that sweet, tangy, and savory orange sauce is truly irresistible. So, next time you’re craving some Chinese-American comfort food, why not try your hand at making Orange Chicken from scratch? Your taste buds will thank you, and your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills. Happy cooking!

Orange Chicken recipe(youtube)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sa9nYKiYg0