Chinese Food Recipes Orange Chicken

Isn’t it a coincidence that you can enjoy a dish so popular at Panda Express right in your own kitchen? Orange chicken is not just a favorite for its sweet and tangy flavor, but also for its versatility and ease of preparation. You might find that it fits perfectly into a busy weeknight meal plan. But what if you could elevate this classic recipe even further, making it healthier without sacrificing taste? Let’s explore how you can take this beloved dish to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this orange chicken recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite among families. It’s quick and easy, taking just 15-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll find the ingredients straightforward, making it simple to whip up a delicious meal. Plus, you can customize it to be healthier by reducing oil and sugar. The recipe works well with chicken breasts or thighs, catering to your family’s preferences. The sweet and tangy flavors create a delightful taste that everyone enjoys. You can even add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this dish offers a satisfying texture that’ll keep you coming back for more. Additionally, this dish is a great source of healthy protein, making it a nutritious option for your weekly dinners.

History

Orange Chicken’s delightful combination of flavors and textures has a rich history that traces back to the 1800s, rooted in the culinary practices of Chinese immigrants.

These immigrants, primarily from the Guandong district, introduced stir-fry dishes with vegetables, meat, and rice. The original Orange Chicken used leftover citrus peels and didn’t have breading.

Early Chinese restaurants adapted recipes due to ingredient shortages, leading to sweeter dishes to cater to American tastes. This transformation was part of a broader trend towards sweeter flavors in Chinese cuisine during the mid-1900s.

In 1987, Chef Andy Kao created the modern version at Panda Express, inspired by Hunan’s sour tangerine chicken.

This dish reflects a fusion of cultures, becoming a signature item in American Chinese cuisine and even appearing in popular media, showcasing its widespread appeal.

Recipe

Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken

If you’re craving a delicious Chinese-inspired dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, search no further than this Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken recipe. This dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy batter, tossed in a zesty orange sauce, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation.

Marinating the chicken is an essential step that enhances its taste and tenderness. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of orange juice, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a dish that bursts with flavor. After marinating, the chicken is coated in a crispy batter before being shallow-fried to golden perfection. The final touch is the homemade orange sauce that ties everything together, making every bite irresistible. Overnight marination of chicken is recommended for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs (or breasts/tenderloins)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (plus extra for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Add cornstarch, orange zest, Sriracha, and white pepper. Mix well until sugar and cornstarch are dissolved.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and seal. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, turning the bag occasionally to guarantee even marination.

3. Drain and Coat: After marinating, drain and discard excess marinade. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and baking soda. Dredge the marinated chicken in the mixture to coat evenly.

4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.

5. Fry the Chicken: Shallow-fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Heat over medium heat, then add cornstarch to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until it reaches desired consistency.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce is thickened, toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.

8. Garnish and Serve: Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

For the best results, confirm that your oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Also, keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens; you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your taste. Enjoy your homemade Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

As you savor the flavors of Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken, you’ll realize that making this dish at home not only satisfies your cravings but also allows you to customize it to your taste. You can choose the chicken cut, adjust the spice level, and even opt for gluten-free ingredients. The process of marinating, frying, and preparing the orange sauce becomes an enjoyable cooking adventure. Remember to control the frying temperature for perfectly crisp chicken. With each bite, you can appreciate your effort, knowing the nutritional aspects like calories and sodium content, including the fact that this dish contains 620 mg of sodium.

FAQ

Wondering about the ins and outs of making Orange Chicken? This delicious dish features crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

The main sauce ingredients include orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloins. Additionally, it’s important to combine orange juice with other sauce ingredients for a rich flavor profile.

While deep frying is common, you can make healthier versions by skipping it altogether. The preparation and cooking time is about 30 minutes.

For the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to thicken it while simmering. When cooking, marinate the chicken in egg, soy sauce, and sugar, then coat it in cornstarch and flour.

Serve your Orange Chicken with rice, green onions, and orange zest for a tasty meal!