Description
Orange chicken is a beloved dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy chicken and a vibrant, tangy orange sauce. This homemade version rivals any Chinese takeout, delivering a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. The chicken is marinated for extra tenderness, then double-fried to achieve an irresistible crunch before being enveloped in a luscious sauce made from fresh orange juice and zest. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving comfort food, this orange chicken recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon Chinese chili pepper flakes
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of water, baking soda, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine eggs and cornstarch with the marinated chicken until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a wok to 375°F.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Prepare sauce by mixing orange juice, zest, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch; cook until thickened.
- Stir-fry garlic and green onions; add sauce and then the fried chicken to coat well.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 170mg