Craving that sweet and savory orange chicken from your favorite takeout place? You don't have to leave the house to satisfy that craving! This guide will walk you through making incredibly delicious orange chicken at home, from scratch. We'll cover everything from prepping the chicken to creating the signature tangy orange sauce. Get ready to impress yourself (and your family and friends)!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (tip: thighs stay juicier than breasts)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they're evenly coated.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the chicken in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/brown sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Orange Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. Add more honey for extra sweetness or more red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Make it ahead! The chicken can be fried ahead of time and reheated, and the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Add vegetables: Include broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve with sides: Enjoy your orange chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra kick.
Making delicious orange chicken at home is easier than you think! Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying restaurant-quality orange chicken in no time. Enjoy!
