Irresistible Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever craved a dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite? The Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe captures all these sensations and more. From the perfectly crispy chicken to the luscious orange sauce, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine biting into tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a vibrant orange glaze, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also evokes fond memories of sharing takeout with friends or family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Whether you serve it as a weeknight dinner or at a festive gathering, Homemade Orange Chicken will surely be the star of the table. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful dish that promises an unforgettable flavor journey.

Key Ingredients For Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for creating a crispy coating on the chicken.
• Eggs: Use two beaten eggs to help the flour adhere to the chicken for that perfect crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken, choose oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

For the Sauce:

• Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides vibrant flavor compared to store-bought options.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish.
• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the orange juice.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

1. First Step: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In one bowl, place the all-purpose flour, while in another bowl, beat two eggs. Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg mixture and then coat it thoroughly with flour.

2. Second Step: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch.

3. Third Step: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, prepare your sauce by combining fresh orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it simmers and thickens slightly for about 5 minutes.

4. Fourth Step: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once all batches of chicken are cooked and crispy, drain them on paper towels briefly. Then pour your orange sauce over the fried chicken in a large bowl and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.

5. Fifth Step: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional sauce if desired for that perfect finishing touch. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flair.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh orange juice rather than bottled juice for optimal flavor.
• Control Frying Temperature: Maintain an even temperature while frying to ensure crispy chicken without burning.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify sugar levels in your sauce according to personal taste preferences.

Cooking Instructions

Begin by marinating the chicken. Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Then, add freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and soy sauce to create a vibrant sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it well to coat with the orange sauce. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.

Finally, garnish your Homemade Orange Chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an appealing finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe shines on its own but can be elevated with some delicious side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture complements the saucy chicken perfectly.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds nutrients and crunch.
• Spring Rolls: These crispy delights make a fantastic appetizer when serving this dish.

Storage Tips

To keep your Homemade Orange Chicken fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. When reheating frozen chicken, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up in a skillet over low heat.

Ensure you stir occasionally while reheating to maintain moisture in the dish. If needed, you can add a splash of water or extra orange juice to enhance its flavor when reheating.

Nutritional Information

This Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors while providing essential nutrients. Each serving is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains vitamins from fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger. To make this dish healthier, consider using less sugar or substituting honey as a natural sweetener.

The calorie count will vary based on portion size and cooking method but generally remains within an acceptable range for a main course. Always adjust your ingredients according to dietary needs or preferences for optimal health benefits.

FAQs

Can I use other meats in this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can easily substitute shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for variations in proteins or vegetarian options. Just adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp cooks faster than chicken while tofu should be pressed well before marinating.

Is this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it stores well in containers with sides like rice or veggies. Prepare larger batches on weekends and enjoy quick meals throughout your busy week without compromising taste or quality.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If you find that your orange sauce has become too thick during cooking, simply add a little water or more orange juice to thin it out gradually. Stir continuously until you reach your desired consistency while maintaining that signature flavor profile of your Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe.

How spicy is this Homemade Orange Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is not inherently spicy as it focuses on sweet and savory flavors rather than heat. However, if you prefer some spice, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste when preparing the sauce to enhance its overall flavor profile without overwhelming sweetness.