Orange Chicken Recipes is a delightful Chinese-American dish that combines crispy fried chicken pieces with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. This popular recipe is known for its vibrant flavor and satisfying texture, making it a favorite in many households and restaurants.
The dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a light, crispy batter, then tossed in a sauce made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger and garlic. Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, Orange Chicken is often served with steamed rice, making it a complete and delicious meal.
History of Orange Chicken Recipes
Orange Chicken Recipes is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Here’s a look at its fascinating history
Origins
Chinese Roots: The concept of combining chicken with citrus flavors can be traced back to traditional Chinese cuisine. In Hunan province, a dish called “tangerine chicken” (陳皮雞) uses dried tangerine peel to flavor the chicken.
American Creation: The version of Orange Chicken Recipes we know today was created in the United States. It is believed to have been developed by Chinese-American chefs who adapted traditional recipes to suit American tastes.
Orange Chicken Recipes | Very Easy
Ingredient
For the Chicken
For the Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
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chicken mixture
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch and flour together.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg with water, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them in the cornstarch-flour mixture.
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Chicken Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Make the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Sauce Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Sauce cook
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
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Sesame
Add the sesame oil and stir well.
Combine and Serve
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Add
Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until they are well coated.
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Serve
Serve immediately with steamed rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Note
- Ingredient Quality:
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients provide a more vibrant and natural taste compared to bottled juice.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Preparation Tips:
Marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and rice wine for 15-20 minutes before coating it in the batter.
This adds extra flavor to the chicken.Ensure the cornstarch and flour mixture is well combined to create an even coating on the chicken pieces.
