The Best Dang Orange Chicken Youll Ever Make Seriously
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make orange chicken that rivals your favorite takeaway? This recipe nails that sweet, tangy, and downright addictive flavor.
Honestly, it's the crispy chicken with orange sauce dreams are made of!
Brief Overview
Orange chicken is a classic American Chinese creation. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home. This is a medium difficulty recipe that takes just over an hour and serves 4.
You will definitely want seconds!
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this homemade orange chicken is you control the ingredients. No dodgy additives! It's perfect for a Friday night fakeaway.
Ditch the Chinese take out recipes this week! Plus, you get the satisfaction of making something truly delicious. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Chicken Prep and Marinade
First, you will need the chicken. Get 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into 1 inch pieces. Now, we need to marinate it! The marinade is key for flavor.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Then, grate in 1 teaspoon of ginger and mince 1 clove of garlic.
A good pinch of white pepper (1/2 teaspoon) gives it a bit of a kick. Toss it all together, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Breading Like a Pro
Next, let's get that orange chicken crispy ! In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
In another dish, whisk 1 large egg with 1/4 cup of water. Now, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mix.
Then dip it in the egg wash, and back into the flour mix.
The All Important Orange Sauce
Right, the best orange chicken sauce is what makes this dish sing! In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add 1 minced clove of garlic and cook until you can smell it (about 30 seconds). Next, add in 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup soy sauce.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little zing.
Bring it all to a simmer. Now, in a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water.
This makes a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce until it thickens. That is usually between 1- 2 minutes.
It’s ready for chicken! I love a Panda Express orange chicken copycat !
Frying to Perfection
Now, for the fun part. Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pot to 350° F.
Use a thermometer; it makes all the difference! Fry the chicken in batches for 3- 4 minutes per batch. Make sure you don't overcrowd the pan! The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C).
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a wire rack. This helps it stay nice and chicken orange .
The Grand Finale
Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and toss to coat. It’s nearly time to eat! Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if you fancy.
Serve immediately. Best over rice. Enjoy the best dang orange chicken you'll ever make!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Mate!
Right, so you want to know how do you make orange chicken like they do at your favourite Chinese takeaway? Well, let's dive straight in! Forget slaving away.
This orange chicken recipe easy is about getting that delicious fix without the fuss. The best orange chicken recipe is one you can nail every time, right?
Main Ingredients Sorted
First things first, the chicken. For the marinade, you’ll need about 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into 1 inch chunks.
Then grab 1 tablespoon (15ml) each of soy sauce and rice vinegar. A teaspoon (5ml) of grated ginger and a crushed garlic clove (about a teaspoon) are next, plus a dash of white pepper ( ½ teaspoon (2.
5ml) ).
For the coating, get ready with ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch, ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt and ¼ teaspoon (1.
25g) black pepper. One large egg, beaten, and ¼ cup (60ml) water will bring it together.
Now, for the sauce! We need ½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice. Honestly, fresh juice makes a world of difference for that crispy chicken with orange sauce magic.
Then, ¼ cup (60ml) each of chicken broth and soy sauce. Plus, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of rice vinegar and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of packed brown sugar.
Honey ( 1 tablespoon (15ml) ), orange zest ( 1 teaspoon (5ml) ), and red pepper flakes ( ½ teaspoon (2.
5ml) ) round it off. Finally, cornstarch ( 1 tablespoon (8g) ) and water ( 2 tablespoons (30ml) ) for thickening.
Don’t forget about 3 cups (710ml) of vegetable oil for frying the chicken orange!
Seasoning & Zing
The secret's in the sauce, innit? Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar are your base. But that orange zest? That's pure sunshine.
Red pepper flakes give it a kick. Can't find rice vinegar? White wine vinegar will do in a pinch, though the flavour will be a bit different.
For the ultimate flavor enhancement on your crispy orange chicken use fresh orange.
Gear Up!
You don't need fancy stuff. A large bowl for marinating, shallow dishes for breading, and a wok or deep pot for frying will get you going.
A slotted spoon or spider and a wire rack for draining are also essential. A saucepan to make the best orange chicken sauce is important and not forgotten.
Can't find a wok? No worries! A deep frying pan will do just fine. Thermometer to check if your 350° F ( 175° C) is perfect is your best ally.
Right, that's the kit sorted. Now, are you ready to learn how to make crispy orange chicken ? Let's get cooking!
The Best Dang Orange Chicken You'll Ever Make!
Forget grabbing Chinese take out recipes . This orange chicken crispy recipe will blow your mind! It delivers that sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness you crave.
Honestly, you'll be ditching the delivery apps for good .
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, grab that chicken! We're using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch bits. Mix it up with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and white pepper.
Marinate for at least 30 mins. Or up to 2 hours if you have time.
Pro Tip: Get everything ready before you start frying! Chop your garlic, measure out your sauces. Trust me, it saves you stress later.
step-by-step: From Cluck to Chuck!
Right, let's nail this. Here's how do you make orange chicken to perfection.
- Bread the marinated chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in a wok. Watch that thermometer!
- Fry the chicken in batches, 3- 4 minutes per batch . Don't overcrowd!
- Drain on a wire rack. Crispy heaven, right?
- Simmer up your sauce: orange juice, broth, soy, vinegar, sugar, honey, zest and flakes.
- Thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Boom, sauce time!
- Toss the fried chicken in that amazing best orange chicken sauce.
- Garnish and serve over rice. Go on, you deserve it!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Orange Chicken Game
Honestly? Don't overcrowd the wok . I can’t stress this enough. Soggy chicken is just sad. Also double dip those chicken pieces for extra crunch.
I always taste the sauce before adding the chicken. You know? Adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking. Maybe a touch more honey.
Homemade orange chicken is seriously better than panda express orange chicken copycat . Serve this up! You got this. It's all about those sweet, tangy, crispy textures.
Also, The best orange chicken recipe is waiting for you to cook it, so be brave and start cooking now!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You Go "Ooooh!"
Alright, so you're about to embark on your Homemade orange chicken journey. Before you do, let's have a little chinwag about some extra bits and bobs that'll make your crispy chicken with orange sauce experience even better.
Honestly, these are the things that separate good food from amazing food. Think of it as the chef's little secrets!
Plating & Presentation: Posh Nosh or Proper Grub?
Right, let's talk fancy! You could just bung it all in a bowl, but how do you make orange chicken look amazing ? A bed of fluffy rice, artfully arranged, topped with your The Best Orange Chicken Recipe , a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and some finely chopped green onions.
Bam! Instant restaurant vibes. Serve it with a cold Chinese Take Out Recipes style beer or a refreshing cup of green tea.
Sorted!
Storage Shenanigans: Keep It Fresh!
So, you've made loads. Fair play! Now, how do you make orange chicken last? Pop any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be grand for about 3 days.
Freezing isn't ideal because the crispy coating can get a bit soggy. But if you must, freeze it without the sauce, then reheat in the oven to crisp it up.
Reheating? Oven's best for the chicken to keep it crispy. About 350° F ( 175° C) for 10- 15 minutes should do the trick.
Tweak It! Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a change? Swapping out the orange for lemon for a Chicken Orange is rather splendid. The Best orange chicken sauce can be adapted to your tastes! Or, if you're feeling brave, crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes.
For a healthier spin, try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Loads of possibilities, innit?
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in a Bowl
Each serving of this orange chicken recipe easy (and scrumptious) dish will give you around 450 calories, a whopping 35g of protein (that's good for your muscles, see?), and a decent amount of carbohydrates for energy.
It's not exactly health food, but it's certainly tastier than plain chicken and broccoli! Just be mindful of the sugar content in the sauce, yeah?
Honestly, this Panda Express orange chicken copycat is a game changer! Orange Chicken Crispy texture will keep you hooked! Give it a go, have a laugh, and remember, cooking should be fun! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this orange chicken recipe really as good as takeout?
Alright, cheeky! While we're not ones to blow our own trumpet (much!), this recipe aims to give your local takeaway a run for its money. By using fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce, you can customize the flavours to your exact liking, something you just can't get from a plastic container.
Plus, you know exactly what's going into it, bonus points for that!
"How do you make orange" chicken that's actually crispy? Mine always ends up soggy!
Ah, the million dollar question! The key to crispy orange chicken lies in a few factors. Firstly, make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C is ideal) and don't overcrowd the wok - frying in batches is crucial.
Also, a wire rack is your best mate; pop the cooked chicken on there to drain excess oil rather than a plate lined with paper towels, which can trap steam. Finally, don't add the sauce until you're ready to serve.
Can I make this orange chicken recipe ahead of time?
While orange chicken is best served immediately, you can prep certain components in advance. You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop.
However, frying the chicken and combining it with the sauce should be done right before serving to maintain optimal crispiness nobody wants a soggy bottom!
I'm watching my waistline, is there a healthier way to make orange chicken?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken instead of frying for a lower fat option. Just coat the breaded chicken with a light spray of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and golden brown.
You can also use a sugar substitute in the sauce and serve the orange chicken with brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice to cut down on carbs. Small swaps can make a big difference!
My orange sauce is too sour/sweet/spicy. How can I fix it?
No worries, we've all been there! If it's too sour, add a touch more brown sugar or honey. Too sweet? A splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce can balance it out. And if it's too spicy, stir in a bit more orange juice or chicken broth to dilute the heat.
Remember, taste as you go and adjust according to your personal preference. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what tickles your fancy!
Can I use other cuts of chicken, or even tofu for this?
You sure can! While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, chicken breast also works; just be careful not to overcook it. And for a veggie option, firm or extra firm tofu is a brilliant substitute. Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before breading it.
This helps it get nice and crispy during frying.
The Best Dang Orange Chicken Youll Ever Make Ser
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 30g |