Crispy orange chicken: a zesty burst of citrus with every succulent bite!

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken is a delicious dish that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly crispy. This dish originates from American-Chinese cuisine, often found in Chinese takeout menus across the United States. Imagine juicy chicken pieces, coated in a sticky orange sauce that’s both sweet and tangy, just like the ones you get from your favorite Chinese takeout.

You start by marinating and battering the chicken, then frying it until it’s crispy. Next, you coat it in a homemade orange sauce that’s bursting with flavors of fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of spice. This recipe brings the restaurant experience right into your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

• Chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized cubes: Provides juicy and tender meat, perfect for soaking up the sticky orange sauce.
• Chicken powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken.
• Ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• A pinch of white pepper: For a subtle hint of heat.
• Cooking wine: Adds depth and richness to the marinade.
• Sesame oil: Provides a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken when fried.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Used for frying the chicken to a golden brown.

Batter

• Self-raising flour: Ensures the batter is light and airy.
• Cornflour: Adds extra crispiness to the coating.
• Water: Combines with the flours to create a smooth batter.

Orange Sauce

• Fresh orange juice: The star of the sauce, providing a sweet and tangy base.
• Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
• Sweet chili: Brings a mild heat and extra sweetness.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the orange juice.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy note to the sauce.
• Chili flakes: For a little extra spice.
• Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Ginger: Complements the garlic and adds zestiness.
• Potato starch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Steps

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thigh cubes with chicken powder, minced ginger, white pepper, cooking wine, sesame oil, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Batter

2. In another bowl, mix the self-raising flour and cornflour. Gradually add water and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Fry the Chicken

3. Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a large pot or wok to 180°C (350°F).
4. Add the chicken to the batter and mix to combine
5. Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil one by one. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Orange Sauce

6. In a jug combine fresh orange juice, soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili flakes, minced garlic, minced ginger, and potato starch.
7. Add to your wok and bring to a boil over medium heat.
8. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve

9. Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

10. Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Orange Chicken

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Breast vs. thigh meat: For this recipe, chicken thighs are the best choice. They are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts. However, if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can work too. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Getting the Sauce Just Right

• Balancing sweetness and tanginess: The key to a perfect orange sauce is balancing the sweetness of the orange juice and sugar with the tanginess of the rice vinegar. You can adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste. The sticky orange sauce should be just right, coating each piece of crispy chicken.

Perfecting the Fry

• Techniques for crispy chicken without too much oil: To get that crispy coating without making the chicken greasy, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry the chicken in batches if needed. This way, each piece gets perfectly crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes for Orange Chicken

• Fried rice: A classic companion to orange chicken, fried rice soaks up the sticky orange sauce and adds a savory touch.
• Steamed vegetables: Balance the sweet and tangy flavors with healthy steamed veggies like broccoli florets, carrots, and snap peas.
• Noodles: Lightly seasoned noodles are perfect for enjoying the extra sauce and adding variety to your meal.

Garnishes and Extras

• Sesame seeds: Sprinkle some white sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, zesty finish that enhances the overall taste.
• Orange slices: Garnish with a few orange slices to emphasize the citrusy aroma and add a touch of color to your plate.

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