Description
Turn a simple dinner into a flavor-packed experience with this Chicken in Orange Sauce recipe. Juicy chicken pieces coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a sweet-tangy orange sauce, this dish brings the vibrant taste of Chinese-American cuisine to your table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of baking soda
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (slurry)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp orange zest (optional)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk the egg, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Coating:
Combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of baking soda. Coat marinated chicken pieces thoroughly in the dry mixture. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken pieces in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. - Make the Sauce:
In a pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. - Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Add orange zest for extra flavor if desired. - Combine and Serve:
Toss the fried chicken in the sauce just before serving. Garnish with green onions and serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: : 1 serving
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg