Zesty Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

This orange chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a vibrant, tangy orange sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's way better than takeout!

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons orange zest

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Orange slices

Sesame seeds

Chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Add the beaten egg to the chicken and mix well, ensuring all pieces are coated.

2. Fry the Chicken:

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of chicken dropped in sizzles immediately.

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, and cornstarch.

Add the minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Combine and Serve:

Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and toss to coat evenly.

Serve the orange chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Garnish with orange slices, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.

Tips and Variations:

For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Toss the chicken with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly crispy.

Add some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the sauce for a more complete meal.

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the sauce.

If you don't have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice.

Enjoy your homemade Zesty Orange Chicken!  Let me know in the comments how it turns out.