Crispy Orange Chicken

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Crispy Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that features golden, crispy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The chicken is usually battered and fried until crispy, creating a satisfying crunch. The sauce is made with orange juice, zest, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar or honey to give it that perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang. The chicken is then tossed in the sauce, creating a sticky and flavorful coating that’s utterly addictive.

I first made Crispy Orange Chicken when I was craving something sweet and savory but didn’t want to order takeout, and it quickly became a favorite! The crispy chicken paired with the vibrant orange sauce is an irresistible combination. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to your liking, and you can add extra ingredients like chili flakes for a spicy kick or green onions for freshness. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to please!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weekend meals
• Chinese-inspired feasts
• Special occasions
• Orange and citrus lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Crispy Orange Chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crispy Perfection: The chicken is coated with a crispy, crunchy batter that holds up beautifully against the sauce.
• Bold Orange Flavor: The sweet and tangy orange sauce has a zesty, citrusy kick that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, especially those who love Asian cuisine.
• Customizable Spice: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes for a personalized touch.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get the same delicious flavors as your favorite takeout, but made right in your kitchen.
• Tender Chicken: The chicken stays juicy and tender on the inside, making every bite a satisfying experience.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of sweet orange juice and savory soy sauce creates the perfect balance of flavors.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy chicken and flavorful sauce make it a dish kids will love.
• Perfect with Rice: Serve it over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Orange zest (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a bright, fresh citrus flavor to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami note that balances the sweetness of the orange.
• Cornstarch: Helps to create a crisp coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness of the sauce while adding a subtle richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Orange Sauce:

5. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
8. Adjust the Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.

Assemble the Dish:

9. Coat the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy chicken pieces to the pan. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
10. Serve: Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crispy Orange Chicken:

• Over Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed white rice for a classic pairing.
• With Fried Rice: Elevate the meal with a side of fried rice for extra flavor.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for a well-rounded dish.
• For Meal Prep: Store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
• As Part of a Chinese Feast: Serve alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes like Sweet and Sour Pork or Kung Pao Chicken.
• With Noodles: Serve the orange chicken over a bed of noodles for a different take.
• With Salad: Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad for a light, refreshing side.
• For Special Occasions: Impress guests by serving this dish at a dinner party or family gathering.
• With a Side of Spring Rolls: Add crispy spring rolls or egg rolls as a crunchy side.
• As a Main for a Buffet: Serve it as a main dish for a buffet-style dinner with multiple options.

Additional Tips

• Crispy Chicken: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying, but not smoking, for a crispy result.
• Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, use an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the sugar and honey to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
• Fresh Ginger: Use fresh grated ginger for the most aromatic flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the chicken immediately after coating with sauce to maintain its crispiness.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for more heat.
• Orange Tofu: Replace chicken with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Lemon Chicken: Swap the orange juice for lemon juice for a zesty twist.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical variation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for the coating.
• Crispy Chicken Bites: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for bite-sized nuggets of orange chicken.
• Orange and Cashew Chicken: Add roasted cashews to the dish for a crunchy addition.
• Baked Orange Chicken: Bake the coated chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Special Equipment

• Deep Pan or Wok: For frying the chicken pieces in hot oil.
• Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients and make the batter.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the chicken in the batter.
• Slotted Spoon: To remove the chicken from the frying oil.
• Saucepan: For making the orange sauce.
• Tongs or Spatula: For gently tossing the chicken in the sauce.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   It’s best to use fresh chicken, but you can use frozen chicken if necessary. Make sure to thaw and drain it properly.
2. How long does this chicken last in the fridge?
   Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the orange chicken?
   Yes, freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
4. Can I use a different citrus for the sauce?
   Yes, you can use lemon or lime juice for a different citrusy flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but assemble and coat with sauce right before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
6. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
   Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well for a juicier version of the dish.
7. How do I keep the chicken crispy after coating with the sauce?
   Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
8. Can I skip the frying step?
   Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.
9. What can I substitute for honey?
   Maple syrup or agave syrup works as a substitute for honey.
10. How do I reheat the orange chicken?
    Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy again.

Conclusion

Crispy Orange Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that features crispy, battered chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. The crispy chicken is tossed in a sauce made from orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and a hint of garlic and ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and savory flavor. The result is a deliciously sticky and tangy coating that pairs beautifully with the crunch of the fried chicken.

This dish is often served with steamed rice, making for a satisfying and balanced meal. You can also customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra color and flavor. The crispy texture of the chicken combined with the sweet and citrusy sauce is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold, Asian-inspired flavors.

I can’t wait to see how your Crispy Orange Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!