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Plate of Chinese orange chicken with vibrant sauce and crispy chicken pieces

Chinese Orange Chicken

A delightful mix of crispy chicken and a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • to taste Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 whole zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish

  • to taste Sliced green onions optional
  • to taste Sesame seeds optional

Instructions
 

Marinating the Chicken

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix well.
  • Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Coating the Chicken

  • In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, and toss the pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Frying the Chicken

  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. It should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop a piece of chicken in.
  • Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes).
  • Once done, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Sauce

  • In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
  • Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce and continue cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.

Combining and Serving

  • Toss the fried chicken in the orange sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated, and let it cook for an additional minute.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying for crispiest results. Adjust sweetness in the sauce according to taste.
Keyword Chinese Orange Chicken, Comfort Food, Crispy Chicken, Dinner Recipes, Orange Sauce