Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Craving the perfect balance of crispy chicken and tangy, sweet sauce without leaving your home? Finding a recipe that captures that iconic Orange Chicken flavor can be challenging.

Many homemade attempts fall short of the vibrant taste and texture you get from your favorite restaurant. Often, recipes lack authenticity or just don’t come out right.

This Orange Chicken recipe offers a foolproof method to recreate the beloved dish with professional techniques. Follow these steps to achieve a crispy, flavorful result that rivals any restaurant version.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Orange Sauce

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Preparation

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut and Season the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures the best texture, with each bite being moist and tender on the inside while crispy on the outside. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of cornstarch. These ingredients help create a crispy coating. Add one large egg and 1/2 cup of cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be slightly thick to adhere well to the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cube into the batter, making sure it is fully coated. This coating will give the chicken a light, crispy texture when fried.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry the chicken in batches, about 25 pieces at a time.
2. Fry Until Golden: Fry the chicken pieces for approximately 6 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown. The chicken will continue to darken slightly as it rests, so aim for a slightly lighter color when you first remove it from the oil. This technique helps achieve a perfect crispiness.

Making the Orange Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix 1 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. These ingredients provide the classic sweet and tangy flavor of the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: To thicken the sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Continue to cook until the sauce reaches a consistency similar to maple syrup. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken well.
3. Add Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This addition gives the sauce a pleasant toasted nuttiness and a glossy sheen.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Toss the Chicken: While the chicken is still hot, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the freshly made orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. The heat from the chicken helps the sauce adhere better, creating a deliciously sticky coating.
2. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Orange Chicken immediately after coating. This ensures that the chicken remains crispy and the sauce is perfectly integrated.

Tips for Success

• Maintain Frying Temperature: Consistent oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy coating. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a bit of water. It should be slightly thick but not overly gloopy, allowing it to coat the chicken nicely.
• Embrace the Nostalgia: Orange Chicken is a nostalgic dish for many, combining the flavors of sweet and sour with the satisfying crunch of fried chicken. Enjoying this dish at home can evoke fond memories and provide a comforting meal.

Why Trust This Recipe?

This recipe is based on authentic techniques used by culinary professionals, ensuring a result that closely resembles the Orange Chicken you love from Panda Express. By following these detailed instructions, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish with confidence. Each step is designed to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making your homemade Orange Chicken a standout meal.

Enjoy making and sharing this classic dish with family and friends. With this recipe, you’ll bring a taste of restaurant magic to your kitchen.