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Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Orange Chicken recipe offers a bright, tasty, and simple meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring crispy, golden chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze made from fresh ingredients, it delivers comforting and exciting flavors that both kids and adults love. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is a quick and wholesome dish with a natural, flavorful sauce that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for coating)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder, mixed with a little water (to thicken sauce)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped (plant-based dairy optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces, then lightly coat them with a mixture of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. This coating is key to achieving a crispy texture when fried.
  2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until shimmering. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to maintain crispness.
  3. Make the Orange Sauce: In a saucepan, combine fresh orange juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, natural gelling agent, and the cornstarch slurry. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces into the thickened sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece evenly with the tangy orange glaze.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while the chicken is fresh and crispy.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure chicken stays crispy.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the brightest, most authentic flavor.
  • Apply a thin cornstarch coating to the chicken to keep it light and crispy.
  • Stir the sauce constantly to prevent burning and to activate the natural gelling agent evenly.
  • Adjust sweetness and tanginess by modifying the amount of brown sugar and orange juice to suit your taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: orange chicken, easy dinner, crispy chicken, sweet and tangy sauce, gluten free, family-friendly

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/orange-chicken/