Orange Chicken – Better-Than-Takeout!
Orange chicken is a beloved takeout classic, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. With this recipe, you can easily recreate it at home with simple ingredients and an incredible balance of flavors.
If you are looking for more chicken recipes, make sure to check out our favorite Taiwanese popcorn chicken and Japanese fried chicken karaage.
How to Enjoy Orange Chicken
This orange chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. For a healthier option, serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making an orange chicken wrap with lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place the orange chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: To regain crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and reheat for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
With these easy steps, you can enjoy delicious, homemade orange chicken anytime! 🍊🍗
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Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb Chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade:
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- ½ tsp White pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- 5 slices Ginger or substitute with ¼ tsp ginger powder
Frying Batter:
- ⅓ cup All-purpose flour 57g
- ⅓ cup Cornstarch 50g
- 100 ml Water Roughly ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp
- ¼ tsp baking powder 1 g
Orange Sauce:
- ½ cup Orange juice Store-bought. If you use fresh orange juice, please adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar based on your liking.
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- 1½ tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oil For stir-fry
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Add 2 tbsp water for thickening the sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the marinade ingredients to the chicken and massage well. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- Mix the frying batter ingredients together right before use. The batter should be thick. When lifted and dripped, it should leave a visible trail before disappearing.
- Remove the ginger slices from the marinated chicken and coat the chicken evenly in the batter.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil to 325°F (163°C) and deep-fry the chicken for 5 minutes.
- Increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry for another 1-1.5 minutes until golden brown. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Orange Sauce
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, then pour in the orange sauce mixture. Cook until bubbly.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the sauce while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the crispy fried chicken to the sauce, quickly toss to coat, and serve immediately.
