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Orange Chicken

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Orange Chicken is a crispy, sweet, and tangy Chinese-American dish featuring golden fried chicken pieces coated in a zesty orange glaze made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and aromatics. It’s a takeout favorite made easy at home with bold citrus flavor and a perfectly sticky sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3/4 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Dredge chicken pieces in the mixture, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat again in the dry mix for a double layer.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per batch, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. Add sesame oil for extra depth.
  6. Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor and brightness.
  • Double-coat chicken for maximum crunch.
  • To make it spicy, add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
  • Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
  • For a lighter version, bake or air fry instead of deep frying.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/orange-chicken/