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Authentic Orange Chicken Recipe
Orange Chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, is renowned for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish features crispy, deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a vibrant orange sauce. While it might not originate from China, its popularity in Chinese restaurants around the world is undeniable. Here’s how to make Authentic Orange Chicken at home, bringing a taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Oil, for deep frying
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust according to heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip them in the beaten egg, then coat evenly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pan to 350°F (175°C). In batches, deep-fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- In a large bowl, toss the crispy chicken with the orange sauce until evenly coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken and have a glossy appearance.
- Serve:
- Serve the Orange Chicken hot, garnished with additional orange zest or sliced green onions for color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.
Tips:
- Chicken: Using thigh meat results in juicier pieces, but breast meat can also be used if preferred.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought orange juice can be used in a pinch. Ensure it’s 100% orange juice without added sugars.
- Frying: For the crispiest chicken, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature. Too low, and the chicken will be greasy; too high, and it will brown too quickly without cooking through.
- Serving: For an authentic touch, serve with steamed broccoli and sprinkled sesame seeds over the top.
Conclusion:
This Authentic Orange Chicken recipe captures the essence of what makes this dish a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. By creating it at home, you can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, making it as sweet or as spicy as you like. It’s a perfect dish to serve when you’re craving something comforting yet bursting with flavor.