Orange Chicken
Try this Orange Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Orange Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 egg whites
- dash salt
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- dash crushed red pepper
- a little grated or minced ginger
- vegetable or peanut oil for frying
- 1/2 cup orange juice (i used simply orange)
- 4 boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packed tablespoon brown sugar
- Carbohydrate 22.3389933604733 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.85806666768985 g
- Fiber 3.86400000545546 g
- Protein 20.7241866794569 g
- Saturated Fat 0.226110000133046 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (430g)
- Sodium 547.528000031815 mg
- Sugar 18.4749933550178 g
- Trans Fat 0.508260000475479 g
- Calories 180 calories
Step-by-step
- For the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and egg whites with a fork until almost frothy, about 1 minute. Add the chicken to the mixture and allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- For the sauce: Meanwhile, put the orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, crushed red pepper, garlic and ginger in a small nonstick skillet and whisk. Heat until bubbling and starting to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch slurry to the sauce. Mix in and thicken for 1 minute.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil registers 350 degrees F.
- Carefully drop the chicken into the oil and move it around, flipping gently, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Let the pieces drain on a plate lined with paper towels for 2 to 3 minutes. Then drop them back into the oil for 1 minute to really solidify the coating.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce and serve.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Orange Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. But that doesn't mean I'm willing to sacrifice good food! That's why I've become a huge fan of quick, flavorful recipes that don't compromise on taste. And my absolute favorite? Orange chicken.
This isn't your typical takeout orange chicken. While I appreciate the convenience of delivery, nothing beats the satisfaction of making something delicious from scratch, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into my family’s meal. This recipe is surprisingly easy, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The sweet and savory sauce is perfectly balanced, and the crispy chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my picky eaters devour this dish!
Why I Love This Orange Chicken Recipe:
- Speed: It's a weeknight miracle! The entire process, from prep to plate, takes less than 30 minutes.
- Flavor: The vibrant, tangy orange sauce is simply irresistible. It's the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and savory.
- Versatility: You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less crushed red pepper. You can also substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option.
- Family-Friendly: My kids absolutely adore this dish, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. (Though, honestly, they gobble it down so fast they rarely notice!)
Beyond the Recipe:
This orange chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still find joy and satisfaction in creating something delicious and nourishing. It's a way to connect with my family, to share a meal together, and to create lasting memories around the dinner table. And that, more than anything, is what truly matters.
This dish also reminds me of travels. When I had the chance to travel to Asia, I was completely blown away by the amazing culinary landscape. The boldness of flavors, the fresh ingredients and artful presentation was a beautiful experience. This orange chicken recipe brings back those happy memories of exploring new tastes and experiencing different cultures.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, work in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. If you like it more tart, add more vinegar.
- Serve it up!: This is delicious served over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
This orange chicken recipe is a staple in my household, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too. It’s a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s a reminder that even amidst a busy schedule, there is always time to prepare a meal you will enjoy, one that shares a taste of culture and tradition, and that creates connections with family and friends.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that everyone will love, give this orange chicken recipe a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
Enjoy!
