Tangy Tempting Homemade Orange Peel Chicken

Tangy Tempting Homemade Orange Peel Chicken

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed preferred
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch, for dredging
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups/480ml)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the egg white, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours).
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, garlic, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
• Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
• Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Drain off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon (15ml). Add the orange sauce mixture to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:20g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Chinese

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy ditching the usual takeaway? Ever thought about making orange peel chicken at home? Honestly, it's easier than you think and tastes proper amazing, especially with that sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick.

Brief Overview

Orange chicken , a beloved dish with Chinese-American roots, is now a global fave. This homemade version is medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish, and serves four hungry folks.

Ready for a quick orange chicken dinner ?

Main Benefits

This homemade orange peel chicken is a winner because you control the ingredients. Plus, you get all those lovely Vitamin C boosts from the fresh orange glaze chicken sauce, making it a feel-good meal.

It's perfect for a Friday night in, or a casual dinner party. Trust me, this version is totally better than Panda Express chicken !

Why This Recipe Rocks!

Okay, so you might be thinking, "Another chicken recipe, yeah?" But this orange peel chicken recipe is different. It's got that proper Chinese takeout vibe, but it's made with love (and way less dodgy oil!).

It's all about fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and that satisfying feeling of making something incredible from scratch. Honestly, I had a go at this recipe last week, and, cor blimey, the dish disappeared in minutes - the kids couldn't get enough of it.

So go on, give it a whirl and let me know what you reckon.

Get Your Ingredients Ready

To make this easy orange chicken , you'll need chicken thighs, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, garlic, chili garlic sauce, and a few other bits and bobs.

Make sure you've got everything prepped and ready before you start cooking, so you don't get caught short mid-flow.

Tangy & Tempting: Homemade Orange Peel Chicken - Ingredients and Equipment

Right then, let’s talk about what you'll need for this homemade orange peel chicken adventure. We're making a Chinese takeout recipe even better. Trust me, this orange chicken recipe is a winner.

Main Ingredients

Here's what you need for this amazing sweet and savory chicken dish.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Look for chicken that's pink and firm.
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed. Honestly, fresh juice makes a huge difference.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) orange zest
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) grated fresh ginger. The aroma alone is worth it.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) chili garlic sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Frying & Finishing:

• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch.
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Seasoning Notes

The sauce is where the magic happens for that orange glaze chicken .

• Essential spice combinations: Ginger, garlic, and chili garlic sauce make a brilliant trio.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Orange zest adds a zesty brightness.
• Quick substitution options: If you're out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Let's keep it simple, yeah?

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Shallow dish or plate
• Large skillet or wok
• Tongs
• Zester
• Ginger grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Don't have a wok? No worries! A large skillet works just fine. Just make sure it's big enough to hold the chicken without overcrowding.

This easy orange chicken recipe is adaptable. We’re aiming for something better than Panda Express chicken .

Tangy & Tempting: Homemade Orange Peel Chicken

Craving that takeout classic but wanting something fresher? Honestly, this homemade orange peel chicken delivers! It's like your favorite Chinese takeout recipe , but way more vibrant and flavorful.

Inspired by that popular dish, this version uses juicy chicken thighs and a vibrant orange sauce. It's infused with ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili.

Get ready for a satisfying and surprisingly easy quick orange chicken dinner .

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before you start, let's get organized. It's all about the mise en place , right? Cut the 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

Whisk together the marinade ingredients. Measure out all the sauce components, including 1/2 cup of orange juice. Mince your garlic and ginger.

Trust me, this step saves so much time. And remember, wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken! Safety first, love!

Step-by-Step to Better than Panda Express Chicken

This easy orange chicken comes together fast!

1. Marinate: Mix chicken with 1 egg white, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes .
2. Sauce It Up: Whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chili garlic sauce.
3. Coat It: Dredge marinated chicken in 1/2 cup cornstarch. Shake off the excess.
4. Fry Time: Fry chicken in 350° F ( 175° C) oil for 3- 4 minutes per side. Until golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Drain: Place fried chicken on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
6. Thicken the Orange Glaze Chicken : Cook sauce in the pan until thickened, about 2- 3 minutes .
7. Combine: Add fried chicken to the sauce, toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute more.
8. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve this sweet and savory chicken immediately!

Pro Tips

Want that perfect takeout taste? Here's the secret. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying, or your chicken will be soggy.

Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best orange chicken recipe . Honestly, it makes a world of difference. And, if you are looking for crispy orange chicken , try doing a double-fry to get that extra crunch!

Recipe Notes That'll Seriously Level Up Your Orange Peel Chicken!

Right, so you're about to make some proper orange peel chicken . Fantastic choice, mate! But before you dive in headfirst, let's go over some helpful tips and tricks that will have everyone thinking you’re a chef.

Trust me, these are game-changers. This homemade orange peel chicken will have your Chinese takeaway days well behind you.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Alright, so you've nailed the orange chicken recipe , now, what about plating? First impressions count! I reckon a bed of fluffy rice – white or brown works a treat – is a must.

Pop the crispy orange chicken on top and garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. Fancy something extra? Some stir-fried veggies on the side – like bok choy or sugar snap peas – add a bit of colour and a healthy kick, eh? A glass of iced green tea? Bob's your uncle.

Storage Tips: Keep That Orange Chicken Fresh

Honestly, leftovers are a gift from the gods, especially when it's this sweet and savory chicken . To keep it fresh, shove it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. For a longer storage life, freezing is your best bet, though the crispy orange chicken will lose some of its crispiness.

When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, but a pan on the hob is way better to get that sauce nice and sticky again.

Aim to internal temperature reaches 165° F/ 74° C before serving.

Variations: Because Why Not?

Feeling adventurous, you know? Let’s talk about shaking things up! For a spicy kick, ramp up the chili garlic sauce – but go easy , you can always add more, never take away.

Want to ditch the thighs and go lean? Chicken breasts are your friend, just be careful not to overcook them (or they'll turn into something like leather).

Veggie lover? Throw in some broccoli florets in the last few minutes of cooking. It's your kitchen, innit! Go wild.

You can even try making it orange glaze chicken as well!.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a salad , but it ain't all bad! Each serving is roughly around 450 calories, with about 35g of protein (thanks, chicken!) and a decent dose of carbs and fat.

The orange juice gives you a vitamin C boost, and ginger and garlic are known for their health benefits. I've got your back!.

So there you have it. With these notes, you're well on your way to creating the best orange chicken recipe ever.

Seriously, don't be shy, give it a go, and let me know how it turns out. You've got this!