Delicious Orange Chicken Recipe

Craving some homemade Chinese food that’s more delicious and healthier than takeout? Look no further, because introducing the mouthwatering Orange Chicken recipe from Woks of Life!

Prepare to be amazed by how easy and fun it is to create restaurant-quality orange chicken right in your own kitchen. You won’t believe the rich and tangy flavors!

• Number of Diners: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 4-6 dried red chili peppers (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 tablespoons white sugar
• 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 orange, zest removed with a peeler and julienned

Preparation Steps:

1. In a bowl, mix the chicken, egg, salt, and sesame oil. Add the ¾ cup of cornstarch and coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat the oil for deep-frying to 375 degrees F. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crisp. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel–lined plate.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the dried red chilis, if using, along with the ginger and garlic, and stir-fry for about 15 seconds.
4. Add the crushed red pepper flakes to the wok, along with the white sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the mixture to the wok and stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the fried chicken, tossing it in the sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Add the orange zest and mix it into the chicken.
7. Serve your delicious orange chicken with steamed rice and your favorite veggies. Enjoy!

Benefits:

This orange chicken recipe from Woks of Life offers a delightful blend of tangy orange flavors, crispy chicken, and a savory sauce, creating a satisfying, homemade Chinese meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Recommendations and Advice:

For an even healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour instead of cornstarch and bake the chicken rather than deep-fry it. You can also adjust the level of spiciness and sweetness to suit your taste.

Curiosities:

Did you know that orange chicken is believed to have originated in Hunan, China? This dish became popular in the United States as a part of American-Chinese cuisine and is now enjoyed worldwide.