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–+ servings
Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Delight

This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe combines crispy chicken bites with a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for dinner on busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Deep frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs Can substitute with chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour Can replace with gluten-free flour
  • 2 tbsp Corn Starch Optional for lighter crunch
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Can substitute with fresh onions
  • 1 tsp Ginger Powder Fresh ginger can be used

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice Fresh juice recommended
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium varieties recommended
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Can substitute with white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Honey can be used as an alternative
  • 1 tsp Grated Ginger Optional if using ginger powder
  • 2 cloves Fresh Garlic Adjust quantity to taste
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Essential for best results
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes Optional for heat

For Frying

  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil Can substitute with canola or sunflower oil

Instructions
 

Directions

  • Prepare Chicken: Begin by dicing the chicken thighs into ½-inch cubes. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, corn starch, and seasonings, then coat the chicken evenly for that perfect crunch.
  • Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and fry for about 2-3 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy.
  • Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: fresh orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper, and orange zest until smooth.
  • Cook Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into a hot skillet over low heat. Let it simmer gently until it thickens.
  • Combine: Add the crispy fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated well. Simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Serve: Plate your Easy Orange Chicken with a side of Lo Mein noodles or rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition and crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword citrus chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Orange Chicken Recipe, homemade takeout, Quick Dinner, Simple Recipes
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