The Ultimate Crispy Orange Chicken
The Ultimate Crispy Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for the Best Orange Chicken Ever!
Fancy a fakeaway tonight? Have you ever craved that crispy orange chicken recipe you get from your local takeaway? Honestly, sometimes nothing else hits the spot, you know? But what if you could make it even better, right in your own kitchen? Let's dive into a recipe that nails that perfect sweet, tangy, chinese orange chicken flavour with a satisfying crunch that'll have you saying, "Panda who?"
Orange Chicken 101
This isn't just any old chicken dish. Our homemade orange chicken is inspired by classic Chinese-American cuisine. It gives you that perfect takeout flavor without you having to leave the house.
While its origins can be traced back to Chinese-American restaurants, it's now a beloved dish worldwide. This recipe is a medium difficulty level.
It needs about 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish and yields 4 servings. Perfect for family dinner, innit?
Why You'll Love This Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken
One of the best things about this easy orange chicken recipe is that you can control the ingredients, avoiding all those dodgy additives that can sneak into takeaway food.
Orange chicken is packed with vitamin C from the orange juice, and provides a good source of protein. It's a fantastic crowd-pleaser, ideal for a casual get-together with mates or a cozy night in with a film.
What makes it special? The focus on achieving restaurant-quality crispiness and a perfectly balanced orange chicken sauce recipe .
Let's Talk Ingredients
Alright, now that you're buzzing, let's gather the troops. You'll need chicken thighs for maximum flavour and succulence, plus a few store cupboard staples for the marinade and that all-important orange chicken marinade .
Don't be scared by the ingredient list – it's mostly stuff you probably already have. We're going for authentic flavour here, so fresh ginger and garlic are non-negotiable, yeah? We’ll go through the details later, but trust me, it's worth it for that panda express orange chicken copycat experience.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
So, you want to make some crispy orange chicken ? Awesome! Forget that takeaway orange chicken . We're making it homemade orange chicken , and honestly, it'll be better! This easy orange chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to.
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks
Here's what you'll need to make this Chinese orange chicken sing!
- Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Get the thighs! They stay juicy.
- Quality Tip: Look for chicken that is pink and doesn't have a weird smell. Freshness matters!
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) low sodium.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Ginger: 1 tsp (5ml) grated fresh.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
- White Pepper: A pinch.
- Flour: ½ cup (60g) all-purpose.
- Cornstarch: ½ cup (60g) .
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp (5ml) .
- Salt: ½ tsp (2.5ml) .
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1.25ml) .
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Orange Juice: ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is always better for that authentic orange chicken sauce recipe .
- Rice Vinegar: ¼ cup (60ml) .
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) low sodium.
- Honey: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
- Brown Sugar: 1 tbsp (15g) .
- Orange Zest: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp (30ml) cold water.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ tsp (optional, for some heat).
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: For garnish, of course!
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town
The magic of orange chicken is in the sauce!
- Ginger & Garlic: This dynamic duo brings warmth and depth. Don't skimp!
- Honey & Brown Sugar: Balance the tang with sweetness. Adjust to your liking! Some recipes add a touch of ketchup, but it is absolutely optional..
- Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat goes a long way. If you're not into spice, leave them out. If you enjoy it, add it.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gear for this crispy orange chicken recipe .
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and mixing.
- Skillet or Wok: A good skillet is essential. A wok is awesome for chinese orange chicken , if you have one!
- Tongs: For flipping chicken safely.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters!
- Citrus Juicer and Zester: If you're using fresh oranges.
- Alternative: A fork works for zesting in a pinch, you know?
I tried this panda express orange chicken copycat with lemon instead of orange once by accident! It was still tasty but not sweet and sour orange chicken , and it was a very different experience!.
Honestly, it just proves how versatile this dish can be. Now, I'm off to make it and have my orange chicken with rice.
Cooking Method
Prep Steps
First things first, mise en place is key. Honestly, having everything chopped and measured makes life so much easier. I usually start by prepping my chicken, getting that orange chicken marinade going.
Time-saving tip: Pre-measure your spices and sauces into small bowls. It is like having your own cooking show! Remember to wash your hands and surfaces properly to prevent any nasties.
Step-by-Step Process
Okay, let's get down to it! This easy orange chicken recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better!
Whisk together the coating ingredients.
Coat each chicken piece thoroughly.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 74° C ( 165° F) .
Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Simmer the orange sauce ingredients together.
Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry.
Add the crispy orange chicken to the sauce and toss!
Pro Tips
For extra crispy chicken, double fry it! It's a game changer! Seriously, though! If you're looking to create takeaway orange chicken , this is your golden ticket.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, or you'll end up steaming the chicken. Bleugh ! Instead, fry in batches. Another tip: don’t let it sit for too long, or the chicken will lose its crispness.
My friend makes this ahead and it is just fantastic! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days.
That way, you can just quickly fry the chicken when you're ready to eat! Serve with orange chicken with rice and enjoy your homemade orange chicken !.
This method tastes better than panda express orange chicken copycat , and allows you to create the best chinese orange chicken .
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Homemade Orange Chicken
Alright, so you’re about to embark on making the ultimate crispy orange chicken recipe , better than any takeaway orange chicken ! Honestly, it's easier than you think.
But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to make sure your homemade orange chicken turns out absolutely banging.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate
Think presentation, yeah? Forget just chucking it all in a bowl. For a simple but effective plating, try arranging the orange chicken on a bed of fluffy white rice.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for that extra bit of visual appeal. Honestly, presentation can make all the difference! Complement it with some steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies.
And why not pair it with a crisp, cold beer, or even a refreshing glass of iced tea?
Storage Tips: Keeping That Orange Chicken Fresh
Right, so you've made a big batch of easy orange chicken recipe . What now? If you've got leftovers, get them in an airtight container.
Stick it in the fridge pronto. It'll be good for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.
But be warned, the chicken won't be as crispy when you reheat it. Honestly, it's always best fresh. Reheating is easy, just microwave it or stick it back in a pan until it's heated through.
Just make sure it's piping hot! Internal temp 165° F/ 74° C.
Variations: Your Orange Chicken, Your Way
Fancy a twist? Absolutely! If you’re trying to cut down on gluten, swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Boom, gluten-free orange chicken . Or, if you're feeling adventurous, chuck in a load of chilli flakes to the orange chicken sauce recipe for a spicy kick.
You can even make a sweet and sour orange chicken just use more honey or brown sugar to taste.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of Goodness
Let’s be real, this isn't exactly health food, haha. But! It does have some protein from the chicken and vitamin C from the orange chicken marinade .
It's all about balance, innit? Just be mindful of the sugar content in the sauce. Each serving is around 450 calories , with roughly 30g of protein, 20g of fat, and 40g of carbs.
Alright then, go forth and conquer that panda express orange chicken copycat recipe! I'm telling you what it is, you'll nail it.
Cooking should be fun, so don't stress too much. Even if it's not perfect the first time, who cares? You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my orange chicken extra crispy, like the takeaway shops do?
The secret's out! Double frying is your best bet for achieving that enviable, super crispy orange chicken. Fry the chicken once at a slightly lower temperature (about 325°F/160°C) to cook it through, then a second time at a higher temperature (around 375°F/190°C) to get that golden-brown crunch. Also, make sure to use cornstarch in your coating mixture as it helps to create a crispier crust.
Can I make orange chicken healthier?
Absolutely! You can lighten up orange chicken by baking the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken as instructed and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. You can also reduce the sugar content in the sauce by using a sugar substitute or cutting back on the honey and brown sugar. Serve with brown rice and plenty of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded, healthier meal, fit for even the pickiest eaters!
What's the best way to store leftover orange chicken?
To store leftover orange chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be aware that the chicken may lose some of its crispiness as it sits in the sauce, but it will still be delicious! To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to help crisp up the chicken again.
I don't have orange juice, what can I substitute in my orange chicken sauce?
If you're out of orange juice, a good substitute is mandarin orange juice, if you happen to have some canned mandarins lurking in the cupboard, or even pineapple juice! If you use pineapple juice, you may need to adjust the sweetness of the sauce as it can be quite sweet already. Lemon juice will also add a tangy element. Alternatively, use a combination of orange extract and water to mimic the flavour.
Is there a gluten-free version of orange chicken I can make?
Yes, you can definitely make gluten-free orange chicken! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the chicken coating with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Also, replace the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always double-check all your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, too. Now you can enjoy your orange chicken, without any gluten!
Can I make orange chicken vegetarian or vegan?
You absolutely can! Tofu is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized pieces and coat it in the same flour mixture used for the chicken. You can also use cauliflower florets for a different texture. Make sure to use a plant-based substitute for honey in the sauce and you'll be good to go!
