Warm Chinese Orange Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Batter
01 -
A pinch of salt, to taste
02 -
1/3 cup plain flour
03 -
1/3 cup cornstarch
04 -
3 large fresh eggs
05 -
4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, chopped into small cubes
06 -
Enough vegetable oil to fry the chicken
→ Citrusy Sauce
07 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed into 2 tablespoons of water to thicken
08 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
09 -
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (about 4 oranges)
10 -
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder
11 -
2 tablespoons soy sauce
12 -
2 tablespoons vinegar (white or light rice vinegar)
13 -
1 tablespoon finely grated orange peel (zest)
14 -
1/2 cup white sugar
15 -
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or finely grated fresh ginger
→ Toppings
16 -
Sliced green onions (scallions)
17 -
Additional orange zest for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, chili flakes, and garlic. Let the mixture cook gently for about 3 minutes, stirring often to blend everything together.
02 -
Mix water with cornstarch until smooth. Add it to your simmering pot and cook for a few minutes until the sauce gets thick and shiny. Stir in orange zest at the end, then set it aside to cool slightly.
03 -
In one shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In another dish, combine salt, cornstarch, and flour evenly.
04 -
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then coat it fully with the flour mixture. Keep the coated chicken on a separate plate.
05 -
Heat your frying oil to 350°F in a large heavy pan or deep fryer. Cook the prepared chicken in small batches for about 2-3 minutes each, flipping as needed. Once golden and crunchy, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
06 -
Toss the freshly fried chicken with the warm orange sauce to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and more orange peel on top. Serve while hot, and offer extra sauce for drizzling over your rice or vegetables.
# Notes:
01 -
You won’t need to order takeout when you can whip up tangy orange chicken with crunchy bites and a sweet, sticky sauce at home.
02 -
Save leftover orange sauce—it’s great for drizzling over bowls of veggies or rice.