Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Orange Chicken, a dish that rivals your favorite takeout! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated to perfection, then double-fried for an irresistible crispy texture. With a sweet and tangy orange sauce that bursts with flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil (any neutral oil is fine)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 1 stalk green onion (thinly sliced)
- Oil (as needed for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken thighs, water, baking soda, and salt. Vigorously mix until the water is mostly absorbed by the chicken.
- Once the chicken has mostly absorbed the water, add the eggs. Mix until well combined. Then add cornstarch and mix until evenly combined with no dry cornstarch visible. Finally, add oil and mix until fully incorporated.
- In a wok or tall pan, add about 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat until it reaches 375°F.
- While heating the oil, prepare the orange sauce. In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine orange juice, orange zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
- When the oil is hot at 375°F, gently place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil one at a time until there's an even layer. Avoid overcrowding; fry in batches if necessary. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes then remove from oil. Let drain for about 2 to 3 minutes while occasionally stirring to break up any pieces stuck together.
- Ensure oil returns to 375°F: Add fried chicken back into hot oil. Fry for another 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oil; let drain on paper towels or a rack.
- In a clean wok or large pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add white parts of green onion, minced garlic, and chili peppers. Stir fry for about 10 to 15 seconds or until fragrant.
- Give prepared sauce a good mix and pour it into the wok: Increase heat to medium-high. Cook until bubbly, thicker, and glossy; stir frequently to prevent uneven thickening.
- When the sauce is ready, add fried chicken pieces and stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated in sauce.
- Serve immediately with white rice or fried rice. Garnish with green parts of green onion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 135mg