Elevate your chinese takeout: how to make orange chicken like a pro

Craving a tantalizing dish that tantalizes your taste buds? Look no further than orange chicken! This delectable culinary creation combines crispy chicken pieces coated in a vibrant and tangy orange sauce, making it an irresistible treat. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the secrets of how to make orange chicken that will leave you yearning for more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Make the Orange Sauce:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Cook the Orange Sauce:

1. Pour the orange sauce into the same skillet used to fry the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Finishing Touches

1. Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch and flour mixture.
• If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use 1 cup of bottled orange juice and 1/4 cup of water.
• You can adjust the heat level of the sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Serve the orange chicken with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce.

Presentation

Arrange the orange chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Serve with a bowl of rice or noodles.

The Perfect Pairing

Orange chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, including:

• Steamed rice
• Fried rice
• Noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Egg rolls

Conclusion: A Taste of Culinary Delight

Making orange chicken at home is an easy and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you can create a dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and prepare to indulge in the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs will result in a slightly juicier dish.

2. How do I make sure the chicken is crispy?

Double-coating the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture will help ensure a crispy exterior.

3. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.

4. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.

5. Can I use a different type of vinegar in the orange sauce?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in place of rice vinegar.