Description
This Orange Chicken recipe is a delicious and crispy dish coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfect for a satisfying homemade meal. The chicken is breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a flavorful sauce made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before breading.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, to coat the chicken in sequential order.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Heat Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the chicken.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil; bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat to meld flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken pieces to the thickened sauce and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the orange glaze.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Ensure oil is hot before frying to achieve a crispy crust on the chicken.
- Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet and ensure even frying.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
