Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with this orange chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty orange sauce, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this delicious dish!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Green onions, chopped for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
For one serving (1/4 of the recipe), the nutritional value is approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 8g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you want to make this dish healthier, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breast. Additionally, use honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Serving and Pairings
Orange chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls for a delightful meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it tough; cook until just done.
- Not allowing the sauce to thicken can result in a watery dish.
- Using too much soy sauce can make the dish overly salty.
- Forgetting to garnish makes the dish visually less appealing.
- Not tasting the sauce before serving may lead to an unbalanced flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best taste.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and better texture.
What can I serve with orange chicken?
Orange chicken pairs well with rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.
Is orange chicken spicy?
Traditional orange chicken is not spicy, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to increase the heat according to your taste.
Can I make orange chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What type of chicken is best for orange chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for a tender and juicy texture in orange chicken.
Conclusion
This orange chicken recipe is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home. With its sweet and tangy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Orange Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve the orange chicken over rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
