Introduction
Asian Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Inspired by Asian flavors, this meal is perfect for anyone craving something both delicious and satisfying. In this article, we’ll walk you through making Asian Orange Chicken at home, so you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup of cornstarch
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)
For the Orange Sauce
- 1 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- Zest of one orange
- ½ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons of water)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of ginger (minced)
Preparing the Dish
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- In one bowl, place the cornstarch. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a little salt and pepper.
- First, dip each chicken piece into the cornstarch, coating it well.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture.
- Finally, coat it with the flour mixture. This three-step process gives the chicken its crispy texture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once it’s simmering, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the crispy chicken to the saucepan, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
Serving Suggestions
Step 1: Plate the Dish
Serve your Asian Orange Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, over a bed of steamed rice or fried rice.
Step 2: Enjoy!
This dish not only looks great but tastes amazing. Enjoy your homemade Asian Orange Chicken with family and friends!
Conclusion
Asian Orange Chicken is a flavorful and fun dish that’s easy to make at home. With its crispy chicken and zesty orange sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a fantastic choice!