Chinese Orange Chicken Recipe: Better Than Takeout!

Craving that sweet, tangy, and undeniably delicious orange chicken, but don’t want to deal with the delivery fees or questionable ingredients? Look no further! This recipe delivers everything you love about your favorite Chinese takeout dish, but made fresh in your own kitchen. We’re talking crispy, juicy chicken coated in a vibrant, homemade orange sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus and embrace the joy of cooking up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour!

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another orange chicken recipe; it’s a carefully crafted method designed to deliver consistently amazing results. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Double-Fried Chicken: The secret to ultra-crispy chicken lies in the double fry. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry crisps it to golden perfection.
• Homemade Orange Sauce: Forget pre-made sauces loaded with artificial flavors. This sauce is made from scratch with fresh orange juice, zest, and a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and tangy ingredients.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: We’ve fine-tuned the sauce to achieve the perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and savory, ensuring a flavor explosion with every bite.
• Easy to Follow Instructions: This recipe breaks down each step into clear, concise instructions, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups)
• For the Orange Sauce:
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• For Garnish (optional):
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create the best homemade orange chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
3. First Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain.
4. Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and place on a wire rack to drain.
5. Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Add Aromatics: Stir in the sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
8. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the orange sauce.
9. Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your orange chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Frying the chicken in batches is crucial to maintaining the oil temperature and ensuring even cooking. Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
• Use a Thermometer: A deep-fry thermometer is your best friend when it comes to frying. It ensures the oil is at the correct temperature, preventing the chicken from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Fresh Orange Juice is Key: Using freshly squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using pre-packaged orange juice, as it often contains added sugars and artificial flavors.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. Add more sugar for a sweeter sauce or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Serve Immediately: Orange chicken is best served immediately, as the crispy chicken can become soggy over time.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will lose some of its crispness, but it will still be delicious. To reheat, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Combine the chicken and sauce just before serving.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making orange chicken:

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
• Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? While frying is the key to the crispy texture, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Toss the chicken with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. However, the texture will not be as crispy.
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce before adding the chicken.
• Can I freeze orange chicken? Freezing orange chicken is not recommended, as the chicken will become soggy.
• What can I serve with orange chicken? Orange chicken is delicious served over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just unlocked the secrets to making incredible homemade orange chicken that rivals any takeout version. With its crispy chicken, vibrant sauce, and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s better than takeout!