If you’re searching for a mouthwatering dish that’s both kid-friendly and satisfying for adults, look no further than this homemade orange chicken recipe. Bursting with tangy flavors and tender bites of chicken, this delightful dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking oil for frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Orange zest
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, mix together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and orange zest for a burst of color and added flavor.
