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- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder - Green onions and sesame seeds To make homemade orange chicken, gather all your ingredients first. This helps keep you organized. You’ll need 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs. They are juicy and perfect for frying. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Next, prepare the coating. For this, mix 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour in a bowl. These will help create a crispy layer. You also need 1 large egg, beaten. This helps the coating stick to the chicken. You will need 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for frying. This should be hot enough for a nice crisp. For the sauce, use 1 cup of fresh orange juice. The juice gives a bright flavor. Don't forget the zest of 1 orange, as it adds more aroma. Combine that with 1/4 cup honey for sweetness. Then, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for balance. Finally, season your chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ginger powder. These spices will enhance the dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch. Now we have everything ready for a flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To prepare the chicken, start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine: - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder Mix these well. This blend will give your chicken a crispy coating. Next, dip the chicken pieces into a beaten egg. Make sure each piece is well coated. Then, roll the chicken in the dry mix. Ensure every piece gets a good layer of the flour mix. This is key for that crunchy texture! Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it drain on a paper towel. This keeps them crispy and removes excess oil. For the sauce, grab a separate saucepan. Combine these ingredients: - 1 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Heat the mix over medium heat until it simmers. This brings out the flavors in the sauce. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this into the sauce and cook for another minute. You will notice it gets thicker quickly. Now for the fun part! Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan. Toss it in the orange sauce so every piece is coated. Cook for an extra 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld. Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds texture and color. Enjoy your tasty homemade orange chicken! To ensure your chicken is crispy, coat it well. Use the cornstarch and flour mix. This mix gives the chicken a nice crunch. Fry the chicken in hot oil. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will soak up the oil and turn soggy. Aim for 350°F when frying. Always fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and helps the chicken cook evenly. Fresh oranges are best for this recipe. You can find them at local farmers' markets or grocery stores. Look for oranges that feel heavy and firm. If you need a substitute for honey, try maple syrup or agave nectar. For soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos for a different flavor and a gluten-free option. For a beautiful dish, serve the chicken on a colorful plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch. Pair the orange chicken with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies. This will create a balanced meal and make your plate look even more appealing. Pro Tips Coating Technique: For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and then the flour mixture again before frying. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is between 350°F to 375°F for perfect frying; too low will make the chicken soggy. Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh orange juice for the sauce; it enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled juice. Garnishing: Add more texture and flavor by including chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts along with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and still tasty. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Use firm tofu and press it to remove water. Cut it into cubes and coat it as you would the chicken. You can also use shrimp or scallops. Both cook quickly and absorb flavor well. To add some heat, mix in chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also try using different citrus fruits. Lemon or lime juice can replace orange juice. This change gives a fresh twist to the sauce. Serve your orange chicken over rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. If you plan for meal prep, adjust portion sizes. Make smaller servings for easy lunches or larger ones for family gatherings. This way, everyone gets enough to enjoy. To keep your homemade orange chicken fresh, follow these tips: - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Place the container in the fridge. - Use the chicken within three days for the best taste. If you have extra orange sauce, store it separately. This helps keep the chicken crispy. You can also mix the sauce with the chicken if you plan to eat it all at once. Reheating orange chicken can be tricky. You want it hot but still crispy. Here are some tips: - Use an oven to reheat chicken. Set it to 350°F (175°C). - Place the chicken on a baking sheet for even heating. - Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on medium. Add a little oil and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until hot. Yes, you can freeze homemade orange chicken! Here’s how: 1. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely. 2. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. 3. Pour the sauce on top or store it separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or skillet, as mentioned above. Enjoy this easy dish at any time! To spice up your orange chicken, add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more if you like it hot! Another way is to mix in fresh diced chili peppers while cooking. This adds flavor and heat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely. You can do this overnight in the fridge or in a microwave. Pat the chicken dry before coating it. This helps the batter stick better and gives a nice crispy texture. If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Both provide sweetness and work well in the sauce. You can also use brown sugar if you prefer. Just dissolve it in the orange juice before cooking. This keeps the flavor smooth. Homemade orange chicken stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce from drying out. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make orange chicken gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the coating. For the sauce, ensure you choose gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. In this post, we covered how to make tasty orange chicken from scratch. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and ways to adapt the dish. With the right techniques, you can enjoy crispy chicken tossed in a bright, zesty sauce. Don't hesitate to try new flavors and serve it with your favorite sides. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crispy Orange Chicken Delight

A deliciously crispy chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
  • to taste sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well.
  • In another bowl, whisk the beaten egg. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, then coat well in the flour mixture.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • In a separate saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce and continue stirring for another minute until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add the crispy chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly in the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and combine flavors.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture.
Keyword chicken, crispy, fried, orange sauce