What To Know
- While savoring it at restaurants is a treat, mastering the art of making orange chicken homemade is an adventure that will elevate your culinary prowess.
- Instead of frying, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Orange chicken, a beloved culinary delight, has captivated taste buds worldwide. While savoring it at restaurants is a treat, mastering the art of making orange chicken homemade is an adventure that will elevate your culinary prowess. Embark on this journey with us as we unveil the secrets to crafting this tantalizing dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before setting foot in the kitchen, ensure your pantry and refrigerator are stocked with the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Create the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the eggs until a smooth batter forms.
3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Making the Orange Sauce
1. Combine the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the same skillet used to fry the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
Assembling the Orange Chicken
1. Return the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces back to the skillet with the orange sauce. Toss to coat.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for Orange Chicken Perfection
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your orange chicken. Opt for fresh chicken and freshly squeezed orange juice for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming crispy.
- Control the Heat: Maintaining the correct heat is crucial. Too high heat will burn the chicken, while too low heat will result in soggy chicken.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your orange sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and whisk until the desired consistency is reached.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili sauce to the orange sauce for a kick.
- Baked Orange Chicken: Instead of frying, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Gluten-Free Orange Chicken: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
2. How long can I store leftover orange chicken?
Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the orange sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it over low heat before adding the chicken.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken?
Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables are all excellent side dishes to serve with orange chicken.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version of orange chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of orange chicken by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
