In the vibrant world of culinary delights, certain dishes stand out as beloved classics. Chinese Orange Chicken is undeniably one of them. In this culinary journey, we invite you to delve into the heartwarming world of Chinese cuisine and uncover the secrets of this iconic dish.
In the first part of our exploration, we’ll take you on a brief journey, painting a vivid picture of the flavors and textures that await. Then, in the second part, we’ll dive deep into the intricacies of crafting the perfect Chinese Orange Chicken. Are you ready to embark on a delightful adventure filled with sweet, savory, and tangy notes? Let’s begin.
Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe
Orange Chicken
A common dish in Chinese restaurants across the country is Orange Chicken. This dish is of Hunanese origin, and was first prepared in the early twentieth century in America. It's a popular and healthy alternative to regular fried chicken. In fact, it is one of the tastiest foods you can eat!
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 476kcal
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Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- 1 ½ tsp. white pepper
- 1 tsp. veggie oil for frying
- ½ cup cornstarch plus 1 tbsp.
- ¼ cup flour
Stir-fry
- 1 tbsp. ginger root minced
- 1 tsp. garlic minced
- ½ tsp. crushed hot red chilli pepper
- ¼ cup green onion chopped
- 1 tbsp. rice wine
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp. sesame oil
Orange Sauce for Stir Fry
- 1 ½ tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp. water
- 5 tbsp. sugar
- 5 tbsp. white vinegar
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- range chicken with fried noodle
- Prepare the chicken pieces by washing and placing them in a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, stir in egg, salt, pepper and a tablespoon of oil and mix well.
- Mix the corn starch and flour together.
- Next, dipone piece of chicken into the egg mixture then coat it with flour mixture. Do this to all of the remaining chicken pieces.
- Get your wok or deep fryer and heat up oil up to 375⁰
- Add the chicken, maintaining small batches at a time and fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown (remember not to over-fry the chicken).
- Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil and set aside.
- Clean the wok (or use a saucepan or ordinary skillet) and heat it up for 15 seconds over high temperature.
- Pour 1 tbsp. of oil then add ginger and garlic. Stir-fry until you smell their fragrance which may entail you 10 seconds of the process.
- Add the crushed chillies and chopped green onions.
- Next, add the rice wine and stir for three seconds.
- You can then pour the orange sauce and bring into a boil.
- Add the cooked chicken and stir them well until they’re well mixed.
- Stir water into the remaining tablespoon of corn starch until the mixture becomes smooth. Add this to the chicken and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Finish it with sesame oil and orange zest but these two can be optional, too.
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Notes
- you may also like this roasted chicken with rice recipe
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 1310mg | Potassium: 918mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Baked Chinese Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for greasing
- 1 cup Chinese Orange Chicken sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. This rack will elevate the chicken pieces, allowing for even baking.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated, then roll it in the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack.
- Bake to Perfection: Lightly grease the chicken with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Sauce it Up: While the chicken is baking, heat the Chinese Orange Chicken sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s heated through. You want it to be hot when you pour it over the baked chicken.
- Coat and Serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven, pour the hot Chinese Orange Chicken sauce evenly over it. Gently toss to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Serve with Style: Transfer your baked Chinese Orange Chicken to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions and orange zest for a burst of freshness. Serve it with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for making Chinese Orange Chicken
Cooking Tips
- The Right Cut: When it comes to chicken, using boneless, skinless thighs is ideal for this recipe. They remain tender and juicy even after frying or baking.
- Crispy Coating: For a truly crispy coating, ensure your oil (if frying) or oven (if baking) is properly preheated to the recommended temperature. This prevents the chicken from absorbing excess oil.
- Mastering the Sauce: The sauce is the heart of this dish. To achieve the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, taste as you go. Adjust the sugar, orange zest, and soy sauce to your liking.
- Avoid Crowding: Whether you’re frying or baking, don’t overcrowd the chicken pieces. Give them enough space to cook evenly and achieve that desired crunch.
- The Garnish Touch: Freshness is key. Garnish your Chinese Orange Chicken with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of orange zest for a vibrant finish.
- A Dash of Heat: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Combo: Serve your Chinese Orange Chicken with steamed jasmine rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Veggie Delight: Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a well-balanced plate.
- Fresh Salad: Create a refreshing contrast by serving the chicken over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
- Wrap it Up: Transform your leftovers into delectable lettuce wraps. Simply fill lettuce leaves with Chinese Orange Chicken, top with chopped nuts and extra sauce, and enjoy.
- Savory Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles and your favorite stir-fry sauce for a noodle dish bursting with flavor.
- Dipping Delight: Set up a dipping station with extra Chinese Orange Chicken sauce, and serve the chicken as bite-sized appetizers for a gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Orange Chicken
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness, you can use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. Just be cautious not to overcook, as chicken breast tends to dry out faster.
- How do I store leftovers? To store leftover Chinese Orange Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for the best quality. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or your favorite meat alternative. For a vegan version of the sauce, use a plant-based soy sauce and skip the eggs in the coating.
- Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your sauce ingredients are also gluten-free for a complete gluten-free meal.
- Can I freeze Chinese Orange Chicken?While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Chinese Orange Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Our journey through the world of Chinese Orange Chicken has reached its delightful conclusion. With newfound culinary inspiration, you can now craft this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Share the joy of cooking and this delicious recipe with loved ones. For more culinary adventures, subscribe to our blog. Until next time, may your meals be full of flavor and joy.
Experience the culinary brilliance of Chef John at Food And Meal Restaurant. With over 20 years of global expertise, My innovative creations and unwavering dedication to cooking have earned me a well-deserved reputation. My passion for gastronomy is showcased in every dish, combining fresh, local ingredients with harmonious flavors and captivating presentations. My ability to tell a story through my food reflects my profound understanding of culture and emotion.
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