Chicken Recipes

Orange Chicken Recipe Easy

Orange Chicken is a popular dish that combines succulent chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce, creating a unique and flavorful experience.

Looking for a delicious and easy orange chicken recipe? Look no further! This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With a simple marination, crispy batter, and a tangy orange sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Read on to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish at home!

What Is Orange Chicken Recipe?

Orange Chicken is a popular dish that combines succulent chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet orange sauce, creating a unique and flavorful experience. With the perfect blend of fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and a hint of red chili flakes, this dish offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors. The marination process and the use of Indian spices elevate the dish, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You'll Love Orange Chicken Recipe?

Deliciously Crispy Texture: The combination of marinating, battering, and frying the chicken creates a delightful crispy texture that will leave you craving for more.
Healthy Citrus Flavor: The fresh orange juice and zest in the sauce not only add a refreshing flavor but also provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Balanced Sweet and Spicy Notes: The brown sugar and red chili flakes in the orange sauce create a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making every bite a delightful experience.
Protein-Packed Chicken: With 300 grams of chicken breast as the main ingredient, this recipe provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and overall well-being.
Low in Added Fat: By using minimal oil for frying and incorporating healthy fats from olive oil, this recipe keeps the added fat content in check without compromising on flavor.
Customizable Garnishes: The sesame seeds and green onions not only add a beautiful garnish but also provide additional nutrients and a delightful crunch to every bite.

With its irresistible texture, flavorful sauce, and health benefits, this easy orange chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.

Ingredients for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Chicken breast: The main protein in this dish, chicken breast is tender and absorbs the flavors of the marinade and sauce.
Light soy sauce: Adds a savory and salty flavor to the marinade, enhancing the taste of the chicken.
Pepper powder: Gives a hint of spiciness to the chicken, balancing out the sweetness of the orange sauce.
Egg: Forms the base for the batter, helping to coat the chicken and create a crispy texture when fried.
All purpose flour: Coats the chicken and forms a crispy layer when fried, adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Fresh orange juice: The star ingredient in the orange sauce, providing a tangy and sweet flavor to the dish.

How To Make Easy Orange Chicken Recipe?

To make this easy orange chicken recipe, you'll need to follow a few simple steps to create a flavorful and delicious dish. The key to this recipe is in the marination and the orange sauce, so be sure to pay attention to those steps for the best results.

Marination: Start by marinating the chicken pieces with light soy sauce, pepper powder, and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
Batter and Frying: Beat an egg in a bowl and set it aside. Next, coat the marinated chicken pieces with the beaten egg and dust them with all-purpose flour. Then, fry the pieces in batches until they become golden brown for a crispy texture.
Orange Sauce: Combine all the ingredients for the orange sauce in a bowl and mix well. Heat a saucepan, add oil or butter, and fry minced garlic until browned. Then, add the orange sauce mixture, bring it to a boil, and thicken it with a cornflour mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Cooking the Chicken: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened orange sauce and allow them to cook for a few minutes. Stir continuously to ensure that the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a glossy and delicious texture.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering orange chicken dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed white rice: The orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, allowing you to soak up the delicious orange sauce.
Serve with stir-fried vegetables: Adding a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, brings color and crunch to the meal.
Complement with a simple green salad: Consider serving the orange chicken with a light and refreshing green salad to balance out the flavors.
Add a side of fried rice: For a more hearty meal, fried rice makes a great accompaniment to the orange chicken.
Include a side of steamed edamame: Steamed edamame provides a healthy and protein-packed side dish option to accompany the orange chicken.
Pair with a side of egg drop soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup can be a comforting and satisfying addition to the orange chicken meal.

Tips for Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Marination is Key: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat before frying.
Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken. Too hot and the chicken will burn, too low and it will become greasy.
Preparation is Key: Setting up all the ingredients for the orange sauce, batter, and marination in advance will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Garnishing for Presentation: Don't skip the garnishing step! Sesame seeds and green onions not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
Cooking Techniques: Be patient while cooking the orange sauce. Let it thicken slowly to ensure a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, feel free to add a little hot water to achieve the desired consistency without compromising on flavor.

Variations for Orange Chicken Recipe

Spice it up: Try adding some extra heat to your orange chicken by including some finely chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the orange sauce mixture. This will give your dish a spicy kick and add an interesting twist to the traditional recipe.
Add some crunch: To give your orange chicken a crispy texture, consider coating the marinated chicken pieces with panko breadcrumbs before frying. The breadcrumbs will add an extra crunch to the dish and elevate its overall taste and texture.
Swap the protein: If you're not a fan of chicken, you can easily switch it out for another protein such as tofu, shrimp, or even tempeh. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, allowing you to experiment with different variations of the recipe.
Citrus swap: While the recipe calls for fresh orange juice, you can mix it up by using other citrus fruits such as mandarins, tangerines, or even a mix of different citrus juices. This will give the dish a different flavor profile and add a refreshing twist to the classic recipe.
Veggie twist: For a healthier alternative, consider adding some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the dish. These veggies will not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add extra nutrients and texture to the meal.
Sweet and savory: Experiment with the sweetness and tanginess of the orange sauce by adjusting the amount of brown sugar and vinegar. You can add more sugar for a sweeter sauce or increase the vinegar for a tangier flavor, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal taste preferences.

How to Store Orange Chicken

Marinated Chicken: After marinating the chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will help the flavors to infuse and keep the chicken fresh.
Batter and Frying Ingredients: Keep the beaten egg and all-purpose flour in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make sure to tightly seal the containers to prevent any moisture from getting in.
Orange Sauce Mixture: Store the prepared orange sauce in a glass jar with a tight lid. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before using it again.
Fried Chicken Pieces: If you have any leftover fried chicken pieces, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness.
Garnishes: The sesame seeds and green onions can be stored in separate airtight containers at room temperature. They will stay fresh for a few weeks.
Overall Dish: If you have any leftover orange chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your orange chicken stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this orange chicken recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken thighs may require a little longer to cook through.

How can I make the orange sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet orange sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a little more vinegar to balance out the sweetness.

Can I make this orange chicken recipe without deep frying?

While deep frying gives the chicken a crispy texture, you can also try baking the marinated chicken pieces in the oven for a healthier alternative. Simply preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken until it's cooked through.

What can I substitute for fresh orange juice?

If you don't have fresh orange juice, you can use canned or bottled orange juice instead. Just make sure it's unsweetened to control the sweetness of the sauce.

How do I know when the orange sauce is thick enough?

The orange sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a slightly thick consistency. If it's too thin, you can add a little more cornflour mixture to thicken it further.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. When you're ready to serve, simply fry the chicken and reheat the sauce before combining them. This can save you time when cooking for a gathering or special occasion.

Orange Chicken Recipe Easy 2016-10-04 07:43:06

Recipe Card