Homemade Crispy Orange Chicken

Homemade Crispy Orange Chicken

Looking to spice up your dinner routine with a unique and flavorful dish? This homemade crispy orange chicken combines tender pieces of chicken with a zesty orange sauce that’s both sweet and tangy. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: orange chicken, homemade recipe, crispy chicken, family dinner, unique recipe
Servings: 4

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3-4 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Orange slices (optional)

 

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Toss to ensure even seasoning.
• Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls or plates:
  • Bowl 1: Mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
  • Bowl 2: Place the beaten eggs.
  • Bowl 3: Leave empty for the coated chicken pieces.
• Coat the Chicken:
  • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Return the chicken to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing lightly to adhere.
  • Place the double-coated chicken pieces in Bowl 3.

2. Fry the Chicken

• Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, pour enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces (about 2 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
• Fry in Batches: Carefully add a few chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Drain Excess Oil: Remove cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.

3. Prepare the Orange Sauce

• Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
• Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
• Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.
• Continue Cooking: Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Remove from heat.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Toss Together: In a large serving bowl or the skillet used for frying (drained of oil), combine the fried chicken pieces with the orange sauce. Gently toss until all pieces are well coated.

5. Serve

• Plate the Dish: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add orange slices for an extra touch.
• Side Suggestions: Serve over steamed white or brown rice, or with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.

 

Additional Tips and Variations

• Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
• Air Fryer Method: Place the coated chicken in a single layer in an air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu cubes or cauliflower florets. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
• Adding Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables directly into the dish by stir-frying bell peppers, onions, or broccoli and mixing them with the sauced chicken.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g

Enjoy your unique and delicious homemade crispy orange chicken! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make your meal memorable.

Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!