If you’re craving a dish that’s both sweet and savory, look no further than this Orange Chicken Recipe! This popular Asian-inspired meal features crispy chicken pieces coated in a tangy orange sauce, making it a favorite for many. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers mouth-watering results every time. Get ready to enjoy a burst of citrus and a satisfying crunch with each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, and 30g carbohydrates. This nutritional information is calculated based on standard ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Begin by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Once thickened, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Additionally, honey can be substituted for sugar, and tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Serving and Pairings
Orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat on the stovetop. This dish can be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; aim for a golden brown color.
- Not thickening the sauce enough can lead to a watery dish; simmer longer if needed.
- Using too much cornstarch can create a gummy texture; coat lightly.
- Forgetting to stir the sauce can cause it to burn; keep an eye on it!
- Not letting the sauce simmer long enough may leave it too thin.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the sugar amount.
- Using fresh orange juice enhances the flavor significantly.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed and pat dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use other citrus juices like lemon or lime, but the flavor will be different.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Conclusion
This Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine to your table. With its crisp chicken and luscious sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it makes for a perfect dinner option any day of the week!
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cubed
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by cubing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Once thickened, sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
