Crispy Homemade Orange Chicken
A quick and flavorful Orange Chicken recipe that beats takeout, featuring crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces Use halal-certified chicken if needed.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour For gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
- ¼ cup cornstarch Helps in creating a crispy coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup fresh orange juice Fresh-squeezed is preferable.
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar Can reduce sugar by substituting honey.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry) To thicken the sauce.
Garnish
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and water until combined.
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
Dredging and Cooking
- Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the coated chicken in a single layer.
- Pan-fry for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken and drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.
Making the Sauce
- Combine orange juice, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
Finishing Touches
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over, and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
For extra crispiness, consider double-frying the chicken and ensure the oil temperature is maintained. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
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