Easy Orange Chicken Recipe: A Deliciously Simple Dish
Are you craving takeout but don't want the hassle or the hefty price tag? This easy orange chicken recipe delivers all the zesty, sweet, and savory goodness of your favorite restaurant dish, but right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's surprisingly simple to achieve!
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring a quick and easy cooking process. No need for a specialized grocery run!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This easy-to-follow guide makes creating this delicious dish a breeze. Even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results!
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. This step ensures a crispy exterior.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, orange zest, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combining and Serving:
- Add the sauce to the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Using fresh orange juice adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness and spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
This easy orange chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts and impress your friends and family with your newfound cooking skills. Don't forget to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your delicious orange chicken masterpieces!