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Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
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Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken is a quick and easy recipe featuring crispy chicken coated in a tangy-sweet and savory orange sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, all made fresh in your kitchen without complicated frying or delivery wait times.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Preparation

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free option)

Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Cooking

  • Vegetable oil, for shallow frying (about 1/2 inch deep)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, whisk the egg and toss the chicken pieces in it, then coat evenly with cornstarch. This thin layer will become crispy when cooked.
  2. Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring it to a gentle boil then simmer until it thickens slightly, creating a perfect glossy finish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Combine and Coat: Pour the warm orange sauce over the crispy chicken, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. Let it simmer for a minute so the sauce can cling beautifully.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added freshness and texture. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

  • Use fresh oranges for juice and zest to achieve a brighter, more natural flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure crispiness.
  • Pat chicken dry before coating to improve crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by cooking longer or shorter to your preference.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture before the sauce softens the coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Chicken, Chinese Orange Chicken, Homemade Orange Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Chinese Takeout, Gluten-Free Orange Chicken, Quick Dinner

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/homemade-chinese-orange-chicken/