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orange chicken on a bed of rice garnished with chives in a white bowl.
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5 from 1 vote

Orange Chicken

This Chinese Orange Chicken is a real treat, combining crispy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy orange sauce. It's a simple yet delightful dish, perfect for those who love a burst of citrus flavor paired with the comforting crunch of fried chicken.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Servings: 4
Calories: 422kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • vegetable oil for frying

For The Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dip in cornstarch, then into the beaten eggs.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  • In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
  • Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Serve hot over rice, garnished with additional orange zest or green onions if desired.

Notes

  1. Chicken Preparation: For extra tenderness, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil before coating it in cornstarch and egg.
  2. Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, gradually add more cornstarch mixed with water until you reach the desired consistency.
  3. Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
  4. Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  5. Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy. Reheat in the oven or on the stove for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 459mg | Potassium: 616mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg