Orange Chicken Quick Fry

$- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish If you need to change a few items, here are some easy swaps. You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. It will work well, but thighs stay juicier. For the cornstarch, try potato starch if you have it. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. If you do not have rice vinegar, use apple cider vinegar instead. Fresh ingredients make your meal taste better. Look for bright orange zest. It should smell sweet and citrusy. Choose chicken that looks pink and moist. The texture should feel firm. Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. If you can, squeeze the juice yourself. Finally, check your spices. They should not be old or stale. Fresh spices add a big punch of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, take a mixing bowl. Combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all these dry ingredients well. Now, toss the chicken pieces into this mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. This coating gives the chicken a crispy texture when fried. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is hot. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain it on paper towels. This step helps keep it crispy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce into the same skillet over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to mix in the fried bits. Cook the sauce for about 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Finally, add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat it through. Enjoy your flavorful meal! Frying chicken can be simple and fun. Start with dry chicken. Pat it with paper towels. This removes moisture, making it crispier. Use a mix of cornstarch and flour. This duo gives a good crunch. Heat the oil well before adding chicken. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will soak it up. Fry in batches to keep the temperature steady. Do not crowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and browning. For a crispy coating, coat chicken well in the dry mix. Shake off any excess. Fry until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying. This helps drain any extra oil. You can also double coat the chicken. After the first fry, dip it back in the mix and fry again. This adds extra crunch. Orange chicken shines with simple sides. Serve it over steamed rice or fried rice. Add some stir-fried veggies for color and nutrition. Green onions and sesame seeds make great garnishes. They add flavor and texture. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. This adds a nice crunch and balance to the meal. Pro Tips Coating Consistency: Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the cornstarch and flour mixture for a crispy texture. Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; a drop of batter should sizzle immediately upon contact. Scraping the Pan: Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pan while making the sauce; those browned bits add incredible flavor. Garnish for Freshness: Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving enhances both the presentation and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Vegetables add color and crunch. Try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pan when you fry the chicken. Cook them for a few minutes before adding the sauce. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. If you want a new taste, switch up the sauce. You can add teriyaki sauce or sweet and sour sauce. These sauces will give you a different flavor profile. Just mix them in with the orange sauce, or swap them out completely. You can also try a spicy chili sauce for heat. Adjust the sauce to fit your mood or meal. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. For less spice, leave out the flakes. You can also add a splash of sriracha to the sauce. This adds flavor without too much heat. Adjust the spice to what you enjoy and make it your own! To store leftovers, first let the orange chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or orange juice to the pan. This helps keep the chicken moist. Stir it often until it is hot. You can also use a microwave, but the skillet keeps it crispier. To freeze orange chicken, first put it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Orange Chicken stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it for a warm meal. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast will be leaner and still taste great. Just remember to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. The cooking time may be a bit shorter, so watch it closely. You can serve Orange Chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Noodles - Stir-fried vegetables - A fresh salad These sides will balance the flavors and make a complete meal. In this post, we covered the key ingredients and steps to make orange chicken. We also discussed tips for fresh ingredients and how to achieve the perfect fry. You can customize your dish with veggies or different sauces. Don’t forget storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so try new ideas and enjoy your meals. Keep learning and experimenting for the best flavor every time.$

A quick and delicious orange chicken recipe with a crispy coating and a tangy sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup cornstarch
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1 zest orange
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
for garnish sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until well coated.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
In the same skillet over medium heat, pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any fried bits. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the orange sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Remove from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve with rice for a complete meal.

Keyword easy recipe, orange chicken, quick fry