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Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken

Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken
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This Homemade Chinese Orange Chicken features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a bright, tangy, and sweet orange glaze made from fresh orange juice and zest. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful alternative to takeout, customizable for spice level and dietary preferences, making it perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch (or gluten-free alternative)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ¼ cup brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss them evenly in cornstarch until fully coated. This helps create a crispy crust when frying.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate pan, combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens into a sticky, glossy glaze.
  4. Combine and Coat: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use fresh oranges for juice and zest to achieve the best flavor.
  • Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain crispiness.
  • Adjust sweetness and acidity by modifying the amount of brown sugar or rice vinegar to taste.
  • Pat the fried chicken dry before adding sauce to prevent sogginess.
  • Thigh meat is preferred for juicier chicken, but breasts work well too.

Nutrition

Keywords: orange chicken, crispy chicken, Chinese chicken recipe, homemade orange chicken, gluten free orange chicken, quick dinner recipe, tangy chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/homemade-chinese-orange-chicken/