Authentic Orange Chicken Recipe

Here’s an Authentic Orange Chicken Recipe that captures the sweet and tangy flavors of this popular Chinese dish. This version is made from scratch and features crispy chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce.

Authentic Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For Garnish:

• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
   • Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well coated.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
   • Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Orange Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Once simmering, add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the orange sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the orange chicken over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Enjoy!

This Authentic Orange Chicken is sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion! Would you like some side dish suggestions to go with it?